Jerome (Jerry) Gayle Pelan, 85, of Sycamore, IL passed away peacefully at his home with his loving wife by his side on March 4, 2025.

He was born January 8, 1940 in Wood River, IL.

Jerry proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1959-1965 stationed in the Southeast Asia. He exemplified the Marine Corps motto "For God, Corps, Country" and carried that throughout his life.

He relocated his family to Sycamore in 1972 to be the plant manager at Turner Brass and he remained in Sycamore for the rest of his life. After he retired from Turner Brass he worked for Northern Illinois University until 2002. Following that he held various positions within the Sycamore School District. In addition, he began volunteering at Sycamore High School by organizing a committee of students and teachers to upgrade and take care of the high school courtyard. His most impactful volunteer efforts were organizing Veterans Day and Memorial Day celebrations.

Undoubtedly, his most treasured job was when he was entrusted with the safety of the children at South Prairie elementary school as their crossing guard for 7 years.

Jerry met the love of his life Irene while sharing his experience, strength and hope with friends of Bill W. They were happily married for 20 years until his passing.

He is survived by his beautiful wife Irene, his children Dana (Fran) Pelan, Anna, TX, Lisa (Mitchell) Baclet, Ocala, FL, Amy (Larry) Woods, DeKalb, IL, Christine Pelan, Springfield, IL, Barb Pelan, Springfield, IL, Ryan (Jackleen) Pelan, Rochelle, IL, and Beth (Tony) Sosin, Sycamore, IL. Grandchildren Hillary, Kaitlyn, John (Elizabeth), Dennis (Shannon), Adam, Jacob, Paul, Layla, Luke, Frankie and Kinsey. Great grandchild Amelia. Brother Charles Pelan and sister Evelyn Giedeman.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Charles (Daisy) Pelan and Irene (Nick) Andre.

Visitation will be on Sunday, March 9th at Butula Funeral Home, 1405 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL. from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm with a short prayer and Memorial at 4:00 pm.

Funeral service on Monday, March 10th at 10am at St. Mary's Church, 244 Waterman Street in Sycamore followed by a graveside military service at Elmwood Cemetery in Sycamore

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital ( www.stjude.org)

To sign the online guest book or share a special memory, go to www.butalafuneralhomes.com