Wayne S. Gullickson, 83, of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, died Thursday, July 19, 2018, at the Prairie Manor Nursing Home in Blooming Prairie.

Wayne Stuart Gullickson was born on Nov. 4, 1934, in Balaton, Minnesota, the son of Richard and Avis (Nelson) Gullickson. He attended school in Balaton, graduating from Balaton High School in 1953. Wayne had good memories of growing up on a farm where he had his own horse. He served with the National Guard from 1953 to 1955, where he attained the rank of sergeant. On Dec. 17, 1953, he was united in marriage to Dona Reiter in Tracy, Minnesota. The couple made their home in Long Beach, California, where Wayne attended Long Beach State University. Wayne was a senior sales account executive for IMC Global (International Minerals and Chemicals) for over thirty years. Wayne and Dona returned to Minnesota in 1959. He enjoyed golf, camping, golf, hunting, fishing, golf, square dancing, golf, line dancing, golf, playing cards, boating and snowmobiling.  Most of all he enjoyed activities with his family and was a proud “Grandpa.” Wayne and Dona loved to travel, whether in their motorhome, on a bus or overseas. They were able to travel to Hawaii and Mexico as well as spending several winters in Arizona, but Wayne’s favorites were Israel and Alaska. He was an active member of First Lutheran Church. His church was an important part of his life; he ushered, took part in the lutefisk suppers, enjoyed coffee hour after the morning services and served on the endowment committee. He was also an active community member, belonging to the Lions Club, where he was past president, Toastmasters, OWBO camping club, Prairie Schooners and the local snowmobile club. Wayne also served on the board of directors for the Minnesota Plant Food Association.

Survivors include his wife for almost 65 years, Dona Gullickson of Blooming Prairie; three children, Scott (Marilyn) Gullickson of Spearfish, South Dakota, Mike Gullickson of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, and Kathi (Curt) Sweet of Kasson, Minnesota; six grandchildren, Jessica (James) Benning, Ben Gullickson, Nic (Shannon) Sweet, Savanah Sweet, Dalton Gullickson and Danny (Jessica) Gullickson; 10 great-grandchildren, Solomon, Sadie, Seth, Wyatt, Piper, Haven, Maverick, Presley, Tripp and Dash; one brother, Wally (Linda) Gullickson of Littlestown, Pennsylvania; a brother-in-law, Robert (Lorraine) Reiter of Slayton, Minnesota; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Mark; and a brother, Gary.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 23, 2018, at the First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie with Pastors Heidi Heimgartner and Richard Hegal officiating. Family and friends attending the service should dress casually in golf shirts. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, July 22, 2018, at the Worlein – Blooming Prairie Funeral Home in Blooming Prairie and for one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church. Interment will follow the service in Blooming Prairie Cemetery in Blooming Prairie. Memorials can be directed to First Lutheran Church or the Blooming Prairie Cancer Group. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.