John E. "Jack" Gullickson

1940 - 2025

Janesville, WI - John E. "Jack" Gullickson, age 85, of Janesville, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Neenah, WI, on March 22, 1940, and the son of the late Edward and Julia (Wenzel) Gullickson.

Jack graduated from St. Mary Catholic High School and proudly served for eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. On April 15, 1961, he married Marie Swiecichowski at St. John Catholic Church in Menasha. They began their life together in the Neenah-Menasha area before moving to Janesville in 1977.

A true sports enthusiast, Jack was a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan who proudly attended the historic Ice Bowl. He lit up when talking about his beloved Milwaukee Brewers and L.A Dodgers. He found joy and competition in fast-pitch softball and racquetball, winning many tournaments over the years. He was also an avid golfer and could often be found on the course. Jack passed on his love of sports to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren by always showing up to coach, support, and cheer them on in swimming, baseball, basketball, cross country, dance, volleyball and even theater.

Jack and Marie enjoyed vacationing in Florida yearly and especially treasured trips to Texas to visit their great-grandchildren. Professionally, Jack was self-employed selling group health insurance for many years. He was a member of St. William Catholic Church, a former member of the Blackhawk Golden K Kiwanis and the Loyal Order of Moose.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Marie; three children: Kim Hopson of Harlingen, TX, John (Darcy Duncan) Gullickson Jr. of Edgerton, and Jennifer (Joe Conway) Gullickson of Janesville; five grandchildren: Lena, Benjamin, and Alyssa Hopson, Kaylie and Jake Conway; and two great-grandchildren, Juli and Haiden. He is also survived by his brother, Bruce Gullickson of Menasha; sister, Lynn (Jerome) Suttner of Appleton; brothers- and sisters-in-law: Virginia (Richard) Steidl, Jim (Judy) Swiecichowski, Roseann (Ralph) Sipin, David (Jacki) Swiecichowski, Barbara (Tim) Rass, Kathleen (Jim) Weyenberg, Donna Fahrenkrug, Michael Swiecichowski, Diane Swiecichowski, Mary Swiecichowski, Leo (Barb) Riegel, Lucy Swiecichowski; close family friend, Trude Jacobs; former in-laws Karen Swiecichowski and Mike Fahrenkrug; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Debra Rippl; sister-in-law, Diane Gullickson; and in-laws: Aloysius and Veronica Swiecichowski, Norbert, Raymond, and Chester Swiecichowski, Joan Riegel, and nephew Joseph Steidl.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 12pm on Friday, Oct. 24 at St. William Catholic Church, where visitation will take place from 10 AM until the hour of mass. A private interment with full military honors will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Memorials in Jack's name may be made to St. Willam's Church and Rock County Cancer Coalition. The Apfel Wolfe Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.apfelwolfe.com.