Russell Vernon Gullickson, 91, of rural Fertile, MN, died on Thursday, November 18, 2010, at Fair Meadow Nursing Home, Fertile, MN. He was born on October 4, 1919, to Oscar and Bertha (Torpet) Gullickson at home, north of Fertile, MN. Russell attended Lone Oak School and Fertile Public School, graduating in 1938. On February 18, 1942, Russell entered the United States Army Air Corps, serving four years during WWII. He spent part of that time in England and France driving a massive fuel tanker. Russell's truck company helped provide fuel needed to supply General Patton's tanks at the Battle of the Bulge. On January 11, 1946, he was honorably discharged and returned home.
On June 17, 1943, Russell was united in marriage to Fay Gast at her parents' farm east of Beltami. They purchased their own farm from Roy Jacobson in Garfield Twp, rural Fertile, where they have lived since. Over the years, they produced hogs, cattle, grain, and Grade A milk. They were the first ones in East Polk County to have a bulk milk tank. He retired from farming at age 80. Russell loved deer hunting, spear fishing, farming and attending his sons and grandchildren's sporting events. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to tease and be teased.
Russell was a member of Little Norway Church where he served as secretary and trustee. He was a school board member for 9 years, township treasurer for 40 years, member of American Legion Post 238 for 60 years, Fertile Community Conservation Club member, and a 4-H Club leader.
Russell is survived by two sons, Steve (Georgia), rural Bejou, MN, and Mark (Lynne), rural Fertile, MN; seven grandchildren, Karin (Matt) Sorenson, Atwater, MN, Jeffrey (Tia), Fertile, MN, Amber (Tom) Borsch, Forrest Lake, MN, Andrea (Tony) Grieve, Braham, MN, Laura Gullickson, Fertile, MN, John Gullickson, Fertile, MN, Michael (Michelle) Gullickson, West Fargo, ND and six great-grandchildren: Annika, Derek and Britta Sorenson, Drew and Brennen Gullickson, Taylor Grieve, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Fay (May 17, 2010), brother, Ervin Gullickson, and sister, Evelyn Huard.

Funeral Services
10:30 AM Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Little Norway Lutheran Church
Rural Fertile, Minnesota

Pastor Carl Hansen, Officiating
Lucille Fuglseth, Organist

Congregational Hymns
#787 "On Eagles Wings"
#485 "I Am the Bread of Life"
#856 "How Great Thou Art"

Richard and Pat Roragen, Duet
"Day By Day"

Pallbearers
Jeff Gullickson John Gullickson
Michael Gullickson Scott Gullickson Tony Grieve Matt Sorenson
Tom Borsch

Military Rites
Minnesota National Guard Honors Unit
American Legion Post #238

Internment
Little Norway Lutheran Cemetery
Fertile, Minnesota