David M. Gullickson, age 84, passed away at his home in Brookings, SD, on Friday, February 20, 2026, surrounded by family.

A Visitation will take place on Monday, February 23, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings, SD. A funeral service will take place the following day at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 24, at First Lutheran Church in Brookings, SD, followed by lunch. Interment will occur at the Greenwood Cemetery in Brookings, SD following lunch.

David M. Gullickson was born on July 20, 1941, in Flandreau, SD, to Marvin Gaylord Thomas and Doretta Betsy (Gulbranson) Gullickson. David grew up on a farm north of Flandreau with a large family, including five brothers and six sisters. He attended grade school in a one-room schoolhouse across the road from the farmhouse with his many brothers and sisters. David’s love for hard work and for the farming community started with his growing up loving the work on the farm with his large family. After one year at Flandreau High School, David attended South Dakota School of Agriculture (equivalent to a high school degree) in 1957, which led to a lifelong love for South Dakota State University. He played basketball as an Aggie against other communities, as well as intramural sports, uniting his love and dedication to sporting competition with his pride and loyalty in representing the school. He graduated with the class of 1960 at what was then South Dakota State College.

A beautiful young lady named Elaine Berniece Dingman was walking to the grocery store to pick up supplies for the Home Economics class in 1959. She caught David’s eye as he drove by and on August 3, 1962, the two married and settled in the Brookings community. He carried her high school picture in his wallet still today. They had three children, Michele (Jeff) Lewandowski of Camarillo, CA, Lori (Jim) Mohs and Jeff (Heidi) Gullickson of Brookings, SD.

Faith was a big part of David’s life and his life was full of acts of service. He loved Jesus and served in many capacities at First Lutheran Church in Brookings. These ranged from being youth sponsors for high school youth to serving as Sunday School superintendent and a representative on the church council. He also served many concessions at the Bobcat games as a member of the Optimist Club.

David first worked in Brookings delivering milk for BK Dairy while starting his career dedicated to serving local area farmers. In 1972, he started working part time with Osvog Implement at the parts counter. In 1976, Osvog Implement was renamed to Farmers Implement and Irrigation and David stepped into the role of a full-time salesman. In 1980, David became a partner in Farmers Implement & Irrigation and later became sole owner. Over the years, Farmers Implement & Irrigation grew, and his children Jeff Gullickson and Michele Lewandowski joined the dealership. A second business location was added in Watertown. In 2022, he celebrated 50 years of service to the Ag community.

David was an avid fan of the South Dakota State University Jackrabbits, which stemmed from his attendance and graduation from the Ag school. David was a multiple season ticket holder for men’s and women’s basketball and the football games. Elaine scheduled events or trips outside of Brookings only after confirming whether there was an SDSU basketball or football game, since David scheduled his life around the SDSU sporting events. David traveled with friends and family for several years to support Jackrabbit football and basketball teams, enjoying celebrating multiple national championships.

He was also proud of the graduation of all of his children and their spouses, as well as all his grandchildren, from SDSU. With his love and support of SDSU leading the way, the Gullickson family was named the Alumni Association Family of the Year for 2025. Sharing this accomplishment with his family was a great joy celebrated over this past year. David most enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, and especially his grandchildren.

David is survived by his wife Elaine, his three children, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, brother Donald Gullickson, sister Dorothy Pulscher, brothers-in-law, Donald Stein, Dean Pulscher, Bernie Shane, Dwayne Damm, Lonnie Phipps, Robert (Bud) Dingman, David Dingman, sister-in-law Ruth Phipps and nieces Lonelle, Beth and Carla Jo Phipps.

Condolences may be sent to the family through www.eidsnessfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be made online to AdvanceBKG.com.