Donna M. Gullickson, age 84, died unexpectedly at her home in San Diego on Friday, December 17, 2021.
Donna is survived by her husband of 65 years, John Gullickson of San Diego; her son Bryan Gullickson and daughter-in-law Nikki of Groton, CT and daughter-in-law Robin Shinn of Groton, CT.; grandchildren Marc Gullickson (Waterford, CT), Jayme (and James) Mandile (Groton, CT) and Brett Gullickson (Groton, CT); 3 great-grandsons Nicholas and Nathan Mandile and Max Gullickson (all of Groton, CT); sisters Debra Hood of Fulton MS, and Dorinda (Joe) Wynimko of Bloomer WI ; and brothers Donald (Mary) Gesler of Redbay AL, and Darrell (Catherine) Gesler of Chetek, WI along with many many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her son Barry J. Gullickson of Voluntown, CT; her sister Dorothy Perrault of Kenosha WI; and brothers John Gesler of New Auburn, WI, Dennis Gesler of Camp Douglas, WI and Thomas Gesler of Reedsburg, WI.
Donna was born on February 18, 1937 in Tilden Wisconsin to parents John and Matilda Gesler.
Donna took on the role of military (USS NAVY) spouse when she married John Gullickson on September 11, 1956. During 27 years as a military family, they were stationed across the country from Hawaii to Connecticut, making many many lifelong friends along the way. After John’s 1974 military retirement in Groton Ct, Donna worked part time at CONN College food services alongside him until they moved to San Diego, CA (their favorite military billet) in June, 1984. There the couple spent the next 37 and ½ years enjoying all that the California weather has to offer, becoming active members of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church and VWF Encanto Post 1512, as well as providing in - home care and compassion for friends in need. Aside from deployment separations, the couple were each other’s constant companion for 65 years cherishing time with family and friends while enjoying baseball, travel and dancing.
Services will take place at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, San Diego. Details will be updated as soon as they are finalized.