Thomas "Tom" Gullickson

Thomas A. Gullickson passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Meriter Hospital. Tom was born on September 14, 1956, to Helen and Donald Gullickson in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Tom graduated from Madison East High School in 1974 and spent the rest of his life living on the North Side of Madison. Most of his working life was spent in the trucking industry, in both freight brokerage and parts sales. Tom spent many years employed by Pirkle, Delta, Alpha, and Peterbilt.

Tom enjoyed bowling and spent many years serving as his league’s secretary. He spent a lot of time on his front porch, chatting with neighbors and friends who would stop by. In his younger days, he spent plenty of time on the golf course with family and friends. In his free time, he both watched and attended motorsport races and Badger sporting events.

Tom’s family held a special place in his heart. He looked forward to his daily FaceTime calls with his granddaughter and jumped at any opportunity to share his dinner with his three favorite “granddogs” Tucker, Bruiser, and Rango. Tom was especially good at keeping in contact with those he loved, always making time for a call, message, or visit.

Tom never met a stranger and was quick to become friends with anyone who crossed his path. From his earlier days out on the town, to his breakfast crew at the Cottage Cafe, to his more recent friend group formed over coffee and scratch-off tickets at Kwik Trip, he was always there to welcome his friends with a smile and a laugh shortly after.

Tom is survived by his wife, Debbie, of 39 years; his two children, Drew Gullickson (Jocelyn Barman) of DeForest and Samantha Gullickson of Madison; and his granddaughter, Anyiah Coleman. He is also survived by his four siblings: Steve Gullickson (Sandy) of Madison, Dave Gullickson (Alicia) of Texas, Jene Peloquin (James) of Arizona, and Julie Gullickson of Madison. He is further survived by his mother-in-law, Beulah McGraw of Madison; his sister-in-law, Sharon Wiganowsky (Bruce) of Madison; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Donald Gullickson; his father-in-law, Chuck McGraw; and his nephew, Thayne Olson.

If Tom had advice for those of us left behind, he’d tell us to be a good friend, make the time for those you love, and don’t take life too seriously. In his favorite words “If it doesn’t affect your breathing, F it.”

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Meriter and UW for years of excellent care, and more recently, the staff at DaVita Dialysis in Sun Prairie.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Avenue, Madison. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. A luncheon will be held at The Eagles Club, 2109 Bartillon Drive, Madison, following the service. A private burial will take place at Highland Memory Gardens at a later date.

To view this obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
2418 N. Sherman Avenue
608-249-8257