Martha Elsie (Wehrly) Pellikan

MARTHA WEHRLY PELLIKAN

Martha Wehrly Pellikan, 92, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2025, at Jersey Community Hospital.

She was born on November 22, 1932, in St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of Samuel F. and Elsie (Ott) Wehrly.  Martha grew up outside of Kane, Illinois, on the family farm, where she made lifelong memories with her two older siblings, Margaret and James.

A proud graduate of Jersey Community High School Class of 1950, Martha went on to pursue her calling in nursing.  She earned her nursing degree from Wesley Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago and later continued her education at the University of Minnesota, where she received her degree in Public Health Nursing.

On April 6, 1958, Martha married Donald R. Pellikan, and she moved to Donald’s family dairy farm outside of Grafton, Illinois. They shared 62 years together before his passing on January 30, 2021.

Martha began her nursing career as a school nurse for Jersey Community School District. After two years, she chose to become a stay-at-home mother, raising their three children while also helping with the daily work of the family dairy farm. In time, she returned to her true calling in nursing, serving patients at Jersey Community Hospital until her retirement.

Martha was truly one of a kind. She never met a stranger, and her warmth and generosity drew people in. With her sharp wit and touch of sass, she could light up any room and leave people smiling. She formed close and strong relationships with family, co-workers, and neighbors, all of whom enriched her life as much as she did theirs. Friends and loved ones alike cherished her humor, her energy, and her caring spirit.

Surviving are her two sons, Donald  (Lydia) Pellikan of Krum, TX, and Larry (Michelle) Pellikan of Perryville, MO.; one daughter, Carolyn (Ray) Gansz of Grafton, IL.; five grandchildren, Andrew (Sarah) Pellikan of Clover, MO, Joshua (Katelyn) Pellikan of Jackson, MO, Caleb (Carrie) Pellikan of Lyons, NY, Sarah Pellikan of Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, and Hannah Pellikan of Dallas-Fort Worth, TX; and four great-grandchildren, Kollyns, Abagail, Killian, and Mea. She is also survived by seven nieces and nephews, David Wehrly, Donald Wehrly, Dorothy (Sam) Wehrly, James (Carol) Larson, Mary (Terry) Bachs, Jane (Donnie) Lacoste, and Mark (Rose) Larson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donald R. Pellikan; her brother and sister-in-law, James and Beatrice Wehrly; her sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and James Larson; one grandchild, Rebecca Pellikan; one nephew, Jon Larson; and one niece, Marcia Larson.

In keeping with her generous spirit, Martha chose to donate her body to Logan Chiropractic College in St. Louis.

A celebration of life will be held at Grafton United Methodist Church on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to Grafton United Methodist Church or the Jersey Community Hospital Foundation.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Martha Elsie (Wehrly) Pellikan, please visit our floral store.