Obituary of Dennis R Gullickson

Dennis R. Gullickson, 77, went to be with the Lord June 5, 2019 following a 9-year battle with prostate cancer. Dennis was the youngest of four children born to Gehart and Frances (Kelly) Gullickson. He was raised on his parents’ farm near Bowbells, ND and during his grade school years, attended a one-room schoolhouse. After graduating from Bowbells High School in 1959, Dennis worked the family farm. He proudly served in the US Army during the Vietnam War as a heavy artilleryman in the Big Red 1. Upon honorable discharge in 1966, he again returned to farming. In June 1968, Dennis married Barbara Nielsen of Columbus, ND. They welcomed their daughter, Heather, in 1969 and their son, Travis, in 1973. During those family years, Dennis served on the Clayton Township board, the Bowbells School Board and the Northwest Telephone Communications Cooperative Board. Throughout that time, he and his family were members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Bowbells, ND and Trinity Lutheran Church, Columbus, ND. Dennis participated in men’s softball, bowling and racquetball leagues, as well as Jaycees, the Bowbells Snowmobile Club and Country Club. He and a friend owned two airplanes and took flying lessons, and he soloed a Cessna 150. He had a beautiful singing voice and was a wonderful social dancer. His children remember him singing in the tractor, playing catch while loading durum and shooting baskets after supper. Dennis and Barbara continued to farm until retirement in 2007, when they moved to Fargo, ND. Following Barbara’s passing in 2010, Dennis moved to Wisconsin and spent much time at the family cabin on Horseshoe Lake, near Turtle Lake, WI, and at the VFW Post 8512 in Almena, WI, as well as with his children and grandchildren. He was an avid fan of the NDSU Bison football team and enjoyed tailgating with OTP friends. Dennis treasured his friendships and was described by many as a confidant and fun-loving friend. In February 2019, as his health challenges mounted, Dennis moved to Arbor Glen Senior Living, Lake Elmo, MN, where he lived until his passing. Dennis’ family extends deepest appreciation to his caregivers at Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN; Mayo Clinic Health System Menomonie & Eau Claire, WI; Arbor Glen Senior Living in Lake Elmo, MN; and Hospice of the Midwest. Dennis is survived by his daughter, Heather Cowden (Dave Egesdal) of Woodbury, MN; son, Travis (Erica) of Oak Ridge, NC; grandchildren McKenna Gullickson, Gunnar Cowden, Lillian Gullickson, Claire Egesdal and Carter Egesdal; as well as sisters-in-law and many nieces, nephews, family and friends. Celebration of life will be held on Friday, July 26th at Trinity Lutheran Church, Columbus, ND with visitation at 9:00 a.m. and service at 10:00 a.m. followed by burial and luncheon. Remembrance gathering will also be held on June 22 at 2:00 p.m. at the VFW Post 8512 in Almena, WI.