Delma M. Pelikan
April 4, 1939 – November 6, 2022
In accordance with her wish cremation will take place and a celebration of her life will be planned at a later time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the Kalamazoo Concert Band, c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Age 83, passed away on November 6, 2022 at Bronson Methodist Hospital. She was born in Kalamazoo on April 4, 1939, the daughter of Arthur and Hazel (Spillers) Horton. Delma was raised in Richland and graduated from Richland High School, Class of 1957. On November 14, 1959, she married her husband of 63 years, Richard Pelikan. She was kind, passionate, loving and leaves behind the legacy of a life well lived. She could fill a book with her life’s adventures, her joy of children and grandchildren, her loyalty to friends and her fierce love for her husband. She lived life to the fullest never missing an opportunity to make new memories, to be involved, or to help those in need. She enjoyed dancing, traveling, spending time with friends and a wide variety of hobbies including sewing and needle work. She was a voracious reader and could often be found with a good book in her hand. Delma believed in being involved. She volunteered at the Senior Center of Vicksburg for more than 10 years. She worked election nights for Schoolcraft Township, was a member of the Ladies Library of Schoolcraft and the Red Hat Society. Her energy, smile and positive attitude made an impact wherever she went. Delma also believed in the value of hard work and was a known teller at Kalamazoo County State Bank in Schoolcraft for several years. Customers would wait in line to be served by Delma and she always remembered their name. Above all Delma loved her family and her presence in the life of her husband, children and grandchildren will both be missed and felt for years to come. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Richard; children, Terri (Kevin) O’Linn, Michael (CeCe Freitas) Pelikan, Tim Pelikan, Daniel (Stacey) Pelikan; eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; mother, Hazel and sister, Sharon Ebbitt; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. She was preceded in passing by her father, Arthur.
Delma was a very dear friend. She would come into my job nearly everyday with Richard. Delma always had a smile on her face and was willing to help out with anything she could. We became very close over the almost 10 years I have known her. She was very much loved and will be deeply missed.
We are so sorry to hear of Delma’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Rick and Mary Whitney
There is such a void here, so hard to wrap my head around the fact that I won\’t see you or talk to you. But someday we will get together again, in a much better place. I will miss you and keep you always in my prayers. Until then, rest in peace dear friend.