Lily Mae (Barnes) Gullickson

Our family unexpectedly lost its matriarch, Lily Mae (Barnes) Gullickson, on March 27, 2025. She was 86 years old. She was born on November 9, 1938, to Herbert and Gladys (Villeneuve) Barnes in Deer River, MN.

She graduated from DRHS in June of 1956. She met Melvin Henry Gullickson, and they married on July 21, 1956. They were married for 61 years before he passed.

In 1966, she began driving the school van to Marble for individuals with special needs; in 1970, they started a potato farm; in 1981, her family was awarded The National Family of the Year by Special Olympics; in 1987, they began Deer River Hired Hands (DRHH); in 1998 retired from Driving Bus; Mel and Lily Mae were foster care providers in Itasca County to people with disabilities for over 50 years. She was also an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary, Lioness, Golden Age Club, Wrestling Fans Club, ARC, and numerous other boards, clubs, and groups. Lily enjoyed caring for others, watching generations of her family play sports, and spending time with all her grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Lily was indeed one of a kind—she had a heart of gold, ears that truly listened, and arms that always offered comfort. Her love was endless, and her unwavering loyalty to family and friends was unparalleled. Nothing brought her more joy than a table full of loved ones, where laughter and warmth filled the room. Her coffee pot was always on.

Lily is survived by: her son, Micheal; daughter Cheryl; “son and daughter,” Darrin Babcock and Bonita Cloud; grandsons: Kevin, Steve, Jason (Nikki) Miller, Matt (Shelly), and Brent Miller, granddaughter Kari (Todd) Schultz; great-grandchildren Hayley, Kyleigh (Brady), Amaiah, Tygh (Taylor), Hannah, Tia, Wyatt, Landon, Mahala, Avery, Lilia, Kailiannah; and Great-Great grandchildren Lorenzo, Aviella and Zeno. Siblings: brother; Jack Barnes and sister; Collette Barnes; brothers-in-law: Richard “Dick” Gullickson and Donny Parks and Sisters-in-law: Laura “Cushe” Barnes and Darlene Gullickson and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers; Lloyd Barnes, Robert “Brother” Barnes, Freddie Barnes, and Herbie Barnes; her sisters, Katherine Mann, Charlotte Gullickson, and Marcia Parks; sons Steven and Mark, “son” Scott Brisson, and great-granddaughter Shelbie Mae.

The family wished to send a special thank you to Autumn Lane Assisted Living for their care and compassion.

A visitation is scheduled for Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, 33297 State Hwy 6 in Deer River, MN. The visitation will continue on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Bethany from 10 to 11 a.m., with the Funeral Service at 11 a.m. Burial will be at Olivet Cemetery, with a Luncheon to follow at Bethany.

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