Brad L. Gullickson, 67

Brad L. Gullickson, 67, of Brandon, died on Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022 at his home of a heart attack.

Brad Lee Gullickson was born in Flandreau on June 27, 1955 to Bob and Faye (Sayles) Gullickson. Brad adored his family of five brothers and sisters, dozens of aunts and uncles and 65 first cousins – most of whom lived in Moody County. He spent most of his youthful years on the farm, playing baseball, and listening to the New York Yankees on transistor radio. He received his education in Egan and following high school, followed his siblings to the University of South Dakota where he was a member of Lamdba Chi Alpha fraternity. His love of Vermillion and the University remained constant through his life, even though practical education was better suited to his learning style. While in Vermillion, Brad met the love of his life, Colleen Ann Flynn. The couple were united in marriage on March 11, 1978 in Vermillion and were blessed with four children. 

Brad was an entrepreneur and problem solver at heart. In the too short 67 years he spent with us, there was no idea too daunting for him to turn into reality. Inbetween industrial developments, car projects, or fixing Hamm’s beer signs, you might find him trying to get lost on Black Hills trail rides, attending Coyote events, or pulling his grandkids behind the boat at the lake. He’ll be missed most for his love, kindness, generosity, wit, and for the friendly banter he’d share with anyone he met – lifelong friend or stranger in Coyote gear.

Brad loved his family, and friends were family to him. He had a gift for knowing the exact right thing to say at the exact right time in the exact right way and you could always count on him for advice, humor, accountability, plans, help with DIY projects, and most of all joy creation. Whatever Brad was doing, the rest of us wanted to join. He’ll be missed as the fun ambassador, but also as the guy who paired project adventures with every social event. These adventures nurtured lifelong friendships and created memories that we will cherish forever.

Please join us to celebrate Brad’s life with a Memorial Visitation at George Boom Funeral Home, 3408 E. 10th St., Sioux Falls, on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023 beginning at 4:30 p.m., followed by a liturgical wake service and storytelling at 7 p.m. Memorial Mass will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Risen Savior Catholic Church in Brandon.  n lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to South Dakota (Alpha Gamma) Fund at the Lambda Chi Alpha Educational Foundation, 10 W. Carmel Dr., Suite 220, Carmel, IN 46032, or Midway Church Cemetery Fund. 220 36th St. S., Brookings, SD 57006.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Colleen A. Gullickson, Brandon; four children, Leigh (Todd) Zirbel, Brandon, Roy (Renee) Gullickson, North Liberty, Iowa, Martin Gullickson (Andréa Barbara), Dell Rapids, and Jane Gullickson (Ryan Hochreiter), Sioux Falls; 10 grandchildren, Brady, Faye, Jack, Lily, Eli, Mimi, Bailey, Noah, Allison and Jaxson; three siblings, Julie (Bob) Connors, Grand Rapids, Mich., Marc (Cathy) Gullickson, Grand Rapids, Mich., and Kristi (Craig) Tamash, Centerville, Mass.; brother-in-law, Manny Jason, Marston Mills, Mass.; many, cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Brad was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Faye Gullickson; one brother, Bobby Gullickson; and one sister, JoEllen Jason. 

For online condolences, visit georgeboom.com.