Eudene "Dene" W. Gullickson, 76, passed away Saturday, March 21, 2015 after a battle with cancer at Dells Nursing and Rehab Center. Dene was born on March 20, 1939 to Wilber and Arnola (Moe) Gullickson in Flandreau, SD. He attended Coleman Rural and graduated from Flandreau High School in 1958. He played football and was active in FFA. Dene received the State and National FFA Degree. Dene was baptized and confirmed at Midway Lutheran Church. During high school he started farming, drove semi trucks for Jerry Doyle, and was a substitute janitor for Flandreau Public School. He married Gwenda Lu Winter on July 19, 1970. Dene served on the Big Sioux Community Water Board for 22 years and was very concerned about the quality water for the area. Dene was active in the Flandreau Fliers Booster Club; serving as President in 1994-95 and received a plaque in 2000 for his years of service including working on the current football stadium. Dene was a 4-H leader along with his wife for the "Happy Youngsters" 4-H Club and also served as President of the Moody County 4-H Leaders Association. Many summers were spent playing and managing the Farmers Slow Pitch team in both the Flandreau and Brookings League. Dene was chosen as the local Jaycees and South Dakota Outstanding Young Farmer in 1974 and competed at Nationals in Dubuque, Iowa. He enjoyed growing crops, cattle, sheep, horses, goats, and spending time with his family. He also enjoyed cheering on his daughters during sporting events, pheasant hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his wife, Gwenda Lu, 3 daughters, Judene (David) Smahel, Hutchinson, MN, LuAnn (Chad) Kemp, Cavalier, ND, Loribess (Craig) Valentin, Springfield, MN, 6 grandchildren, Aimee Smahel, Marcus Smahel, Wesley Kemp, Alyssa Kemp, Kaylee Kemp, Malory Kemp, twin brother, Eugene "Gene" (Jan) Gullickson, Flandreau, sisters, Lorelee Nelson, Carthage, SD, Janice (Emil) Straka, Arroy Grande, CA. Dene was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, 2 brothers-in-law, Veryln Nelson, Bill Douglas, and nephew, Ryan Gullickson.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Flandreau, with burial in Midway Cemetery, Colman. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 pm Monday with a 7:00 pm prayer service at Skroch Funeral Chapel.