Edward Duane Gullickson, 93

Edward Duane Gullickson “Duane”, age 93, long-time resident of Austin, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at Sacred Heart Care Center.

Duane was born July 5, 1931 in Austin, Minnesota to Edward and Lillian (Hyland) Gullickson. He spent his early years between Austin and the family farm in Moscow Township. He graduated from Austin High School in 1949. While working at Wallace’s department store, he met his future wife, Kathleen “Kay” Baumgartner. They married in January 1953 before Duane shipped out on his tour in the Marine Corps. He served in the Korean conflict for two years.

Upon his return to Austin, he started his 32 year career at Weyerhaeuser Company, followed by ten years as a consultant at Minnesota Corrugated Box. Together, Duane and Kay raised four children at their home in Austin.

They were lifelong members of St. Olaf Lutheran Church, where he served in various roles. Duane loved spending time with family, hosting several family reunions and summer picnics. He was proud of his military service and became a lifetime member of the American Legion and VFW.  He loved going on fishing trips to northern Minnesota and Canada.

Duane and Kay spent many winters in Arizona, traveling in a motorhome and later buying their home in Sun City, Arizona where there was a community of Minnesota friends.

In 2018, they downsized their Austin residence and moved to South Grove Lodge (Primrose) where they were active in the senior living community and Duane became known as “the mayor.” They recently moved to Sacred Heart Care Center.

Duane is survived by his wife of 71 years, Kay, of Austin, Minnesota; three daughters, Julie (Rick) Willmert of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, Janice (Weston) Wright of Westwood, Massachusetts, and Jeanine (Jim) Nelson of Austin, Minnesota; grandchildren, Amanda (Kyler) Green, Andy (Erika) Willmert, Katie Willmert (Mike Rossman), Kyle (Courtney) Nelson, and Ian Wright; great-grandchildren, Aubrey, Savanah, Claire, Jaxson, Kinsley, Tanner, Colton, Boden, Elowyn; brother, Robert Gullickson of Florida; brother-in-law, Melvin (Anne) Baumgartner; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Lois Flaherty; and his son, Joel Gullickson.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 pm on Friday, August 2, 2024 at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary with the Reverend Liz Erickson officiating. Visitation will be held from 11 am until the time of the service on Friday. Military rites will be by American Legion Post #91 and Olaf B. Damm VFW Post #1216. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery at a later date.

Arrangements by Clasen-Jordan Mortuary.