John J. Gulland

John J. Gulland, 76, of Three Lakes Road Canyon, MN, died Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at Solvay Hospice House in Duluth after a long and courageous battle with bone cancer.
Born on November 19, 1947, the son of Elma (Salo) and Earl Gulland, John grew up with many neighborhood friends on Park Street in Duluth. He attended Washburn Elementary School, Woodland Junior High and East High School. An active member of the Boy Scouts, John achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and enjoyed many wilderness adventures as a camper and a counselor. After graduating from Dunwoody College, John began his career in carpentry, building just about anything, with thought and care. He shared his passion and knowledge with others as an instructor in the carpentry program at the Duluth Area Vocational Technical Institute (now Lake Superior College) and later was the building official for the City of Duluth.
On October 12, 1974, John married Susan Marie Mlodozyniec. John and Sue were a complementary pair, enjoying the seasons of life together for almost 50 years; raising kids filled with road trips in the mini van, summers at the lake, tackling projects of all kinds and their favorite titles; Gigi and Papa. In recent years, John was Sue's tireless and empathetic caregiver, his love for her was unwavering.
John's happy place was Lake Elora. There he enjoyed many outdoor activities including snowmobiling and riding ATVs with local clubs, cross country skiing, welcoming all wildlife into the yard and pontooning around the lake to greet friends as he was a guy who was always glad to see you. John was a patient listener to all and loved to watch the girls in all of their endeavors. Never missing an opportunity to wave from the end of the dock as they made endless laps waterskiing, to teach them to navigate his cross country ski trails, how to fry the perfect pancake and was always eager to hear more about their interests. He looked forward to time spent at the hunting shack each fall with Eric in pursuit of the elusive buck. John cherished his family and the time he spent with them, our memories with him will forever be a blessing.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, David; and son-in-law, Dan Lane.
John is survived by his wife, Sue of Duluth; children, Christa Lane and Eric Gulland both of Duluth; and granddaughters, Lucy and Silvie.
The family would like to thank the wonderful nursing staff at Solvay Hospice House for the care, compassion and friendship shown to John, your impact was tremendous and we will always be grateful.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 16th from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service at Downs Life Celebration Center, 1902 N 34th St., Superior.
The burial will be in Park Hill Cemetery, Duluth, at a later date.