On March 12, 2021 Gary Ole Gullickson,
loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle and son passed
away from complications of Parkinson’s disease.
Gary was born on June 22, 1944 in Freeman, SD 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. He often spoke of fond memories of life on the
farm and the many fishing trips he took with family.
Gary graduated from Freeman High School in 1963. He received
his Bachelor of Science degree from Southern State College
in Springfield, SD and his Masters degree from the
University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD. 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 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
and electronic 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 favorite activity was driving his yellow
1973 Volkswagen Beetle convertible. He was an avid antique
collector, especially enjoying cuckoo clocks and radios. His
expertise and joy of the hunt were magnified through years
of friendship with his neighbors, with whom he shared an
antique booth in Fort Collins, CO. 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
loved raising heirloom tomatoes and tending to orchids. He
looked forward to lunches with friends and a craft beer or
glass of red wine. He was frugal, but generous. He was known
for his kindness, friendliness, integrity, professionalism,
work ethic and positive attitude.
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.
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