Jonathan was born May 27, 1960 in Hinsdale, Illinois. He attended Cicero School for K-8 (1965- 1974) and graduated Morton East High School in June 1978. He graduated with a language degree in both Spanish and French from Mundelein College in Chicago.
In March of 1984, Jonathan joined the United States Air Force and served for 5 years as a cryptologic linguist. He received an honorable discharge and moved to Orlando, Florida.
While in Orlando, Florida he worked for Universal Studios and performed in several of their shows. His favorite show he appeared in was Phantom of the Opera where he had the lead role.
Jonathan obtained his EMT license in Florida and worked for several years until he completed the requirements to pursue his Physician's Assistant degree. He applied for and was accepted at Emory University and obtained his Physician Assistant degree on December 22, 2007.
Upon graduation, he worked at Orlando Regional Medical Center, and then took a position as a traveling doctor. He loved serving in the military and in 2009, after receiving an age waiver, he returned to service in the United States Army as a Physician's Assistant.
While in the United States Army, he was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska where his unit was sent over to serve in the Gulf War. While in Afghanistan, he served one year at a remote location and received the bronze star for heroism under fire. When he returned to Fairbanks, Alaska, he was sent on temporary duty to the Marshall Islands where he obtained his Master Divers License. He enjoyed diving and searching for treasures.
He continued his service in the United States Army at numerous locations including Fairbanks, Alaska; Schofield Barracks, Oahu, Hawaii; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Fort Carson, Colorado Springs and he returned to Hawaii for his final tour, prior to retirement, at Fort Shafter and Schofield Barracks, Oahu, Hawaii.
He was described by his friends as the epitome of kindness and gentleness. He was consistently reliable in any circumstance, always extending a helping hand to both friends and family.
His patients held him in high regard, praising his exceptional care and compassion. Many spoke of his unwavering dedication, going above and beyond to assist them. Jonathan's attentive ear and genuine concern for their well-being earned him their trust. Patients admired his proactive approach, as he would diligently research their conditions and offer informed guidance. His absence will be deeply felt by loved ones, friends, and those whose lives he touched through his medical practice.
Jonathan pursued a variety of interests in his free time, including diving, traveling, collecting sea glass, woodworking, and dedicating himself to continuous learning to better serve his patients. He also found joy in the hands-on experience of driving his manual transmission car.
Those who have passed away before him include his father, John Charles Pelikan, his mother, Joan Frances Sharson, his brother, Michael Anthony Pelikan, his aunt and uncle, Margaret and Edward Stipek, and his grandparents, Anna and Anthony Pelikan.
He is survived by his sisters and brothers in law, Kathleen Pelikan Sill, John Sill, Debbie Casalie, Rich Casalie, Tina Meiners and Terry Meiners. Nephews and nieces Steven Sill (Robin Alden), Patrick Sill, Mollie Sill, Christopher Pelikan, Emily Pelikan, Alena Pelikan, James Pelikan, Andrew Pelikan, Alex Doyle and his step-mother, Janice Pelikan, and several great nieces and nephews.
Jonathan was truly the best brother any sister could have and we were blessed to have him and he will be forever missed.
Friends and family will gather for a visitation for Jonathan that will be held at Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home, Oakbrook Terrace, IL on Friday, May 10th, 2024 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, with a prayer service at 11AM. Jonathan will be laid to rest with his family following services at Chapel Hill Gardens West Cemetery with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Wounded Warriors, or Tunnel to Towers in honor of Jonathan.
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