Ilse Gertrud Wellman

Ilse Gertrud Wellman entered into eternal rest on February 5, 2026.

She was born on September 13, 1936, in Ronnenberg, Germany, to the late Jacob and Emma Decker Cappel. Ilse grew up in Pfeffelbach, Germany, where she attended preparatory school and began building the strong work ethic and caring nature that would define her life.

As a young woman, Ilse first worked as a nanny and later served as both maid and nanny for a military family. During this time, she met William Wellman while he was stationed in Germany with the United States Air Force. They were married on November 17, 1956, at Ramstein Air Force Base.

In 1957, Ilse and William moved to the United States, where he was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Their Air Force journey continued with moves to Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado, and then to Robins Air Force Base in 1960. In 1967, Ilse proudly earned her U.S. citizenship, a milestone she cherished deeply.

The family later relocated to Homestead Air Force Base from 1968 to 1973 before returning to Robins Air Force Base, where they remained until William’s retirement. Throughout these years of frequent moves and military life, Ilse devoted herself fully to her role as a homemaker, lovingly caring for her family and creating a warm, welcoming home wherever they were stationed.

Ilse was known for her deep love for her family and her nurturing nature. She found joy in gardening, especially tending to her roses, flowers, and shrubs, and she delighted in watching deer graze in her front yard. She was attentive and protective of those she loved, often reminding everyone to drive carefully and lock their doors.

A fantastic cook, Ilse was especially famous for her apple pies. She also prepared many beloved German dishes, including potato soup, potato cakes, and stuffed peppers. Family meals together were very important to her, and she treasured those moments around the table.

Ilse attended Sandy Valley Baptist Church and lived her life with quiet faith and devotion.

She will be remembered for her loving heart, her dedication to family, her wonderful cooking, and the gentle strength she carried throughout her life.

In addition to her parents, Ilse was preceded in death by her siblings, Hilde Heloinger and Annelisa Daniel (Ewald).

Her memory will forever be treasured by her husband, William Wellman; children, Belinda Gertrud Wellman Smith (Stephen) of Excel, Alabama and Peter Lynn Wellman (Christine) of Kathleen, Georgia; grandchildren, Luke Derrick Smith and Bennett Michael Wellman; and siblings, Hilde Heloinger and Annelisa Daniel (Ewald).

At the family’s request, all services for Ilse will be held at a later date.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.