GARY GULLICKSON

Gary Ole Gullickson, died March 12, 2021 from complications of Parkinson’s disease. No services were held at this time.

Gary was born June 22, 1944 in Freeman to Della (Graber) and Walter Gullickson. His childhood years were spent on the family farm, working alongside his parents. He attended Our Town School District 97, a one-room school in Turner County and was the only student in his grade for eight years. Gary graduated from Freeman High School in 1963. He received his bachelor of science degree from Southern State College in Springfield and his masters degree from the University of South Dakota, Vermillion. He was the Director of Admissions at Southern State College, Springfield and the University of South Dakota, Vermillion for 22 years. Gary was highly respected by admissions professionals and school counselors who valued his leadership as President of the Dakota Association of School Counselors and Admissions Professionals and contributions to the South Dakota College Personnel Association. In 1988 he moved to Colorado, where he was the Director of Admissions at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley for 18 years. He served as President of the Colorado Council on High School/College Relations. He was an active member of Rocky Mountain Association for College Admission Counseling, the National Association for College Admission Counseling, the Rocky Mountain Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, and the ACT Council. He was a highly respected State and Admissions professional. He was married to Karen Nelson of Avon from 1966-1992 and they lovingly raised three children, Sara, Lisa and Michael. Gary had an inventive and enthusiastic spirit, enjoying a range of interest and hobbies including building ham radios andelectronic gadgets. He designed and constructed a charming log home in the woods outside Vermillion where he and family lived. Gary’s interest in restoring and collecting historic cars spanned decades. A highlight was appearing on the Antiques Roadshow, displaying his antique cat clock with moving eyes he acquired at a flea market in London.

He is survived by his three children, Sara Kitchens (Joe), Lisa Thompson (Johnny) and Mike Gullickson; grandchildren, Brittany and Sydney Mathiot and Kevin Kitchens and Peyton Kitchens; sister, Gayle (Randy) Preheim, as well many loved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Walter; mother, Della and grandparents, Olaus and Martha Gullickson and Jonathon P. L. and Fannie Graber.