Daniel Wayne Gulick, 89, of Kirkwood, IL, passed away on Friday, January 9, 2026 at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born October 1, 1936 in Burlington, IA, the son of Milo Marion and Snoda Mae (Bence) Gulick. He was raised and educated in Kirkwood, later attending Southeastern Community College in Burlington Iowa.
He married Gladys Marie Lant in Raritan, Illinois on August 1, 1956 and she survives.
Dan learned mechanical skills and developed his love for wrenching at a young age. He completed apprenticeships and gained hands-on experience in the field. He worked construction before owning his own garage. He later worked for the Illinois Department of transportation as the garage supervisor for 33 years before retiring in 1999.
He was a proud member of the Smithshire United Methodist Church, where he served on a dedicated committee. His commitment and service were recognized when he received the Faithful Servant Award, an honor he cherished deeply. Dan loved life and all people throughout his years. He was the proudest of his four daughters. He found joy in traveling, riding motorcycles, golf, racing stock cars and go-karts, playing pool and cherishing family time. He looked forward to his Friday nights at R & K, going to the Y, and later in life developed a love for baking. His passion for hobbies was vast, and he embraced each new interest with enthusiasm and a genuine love of life. As his body changed and limitations arose; he adapted and welcomed new pursuits. His ability to adjust and continue seeking fulfillment in different ways truly reflected his enduring zest for life.
Survivors include his wife, Gladys; Four daughters, Dianne (Wade) Whitnah of Wellston, OK, Dana (Mike) Gulick-Nielsen of Monmouth, IL, Denise (Tim) Edwards of Roseville, IL, and Donna (Jeff) Hilten of Smithshire, IL; Eight grandchildren, Dustin (Abby) Allen, Lucas Allen, Tanner (Kylee) Edwards, Molly (Thye) Inghram, Tyler (Mallory) Edwards, Samuel (Stephanie) Hilten, Sadie (Matt) Barber and Seth Hilten; Ten great grandchildren, Noah Allen, Emery Allen, Henry Allen, Oliver Edwards, Edie Edwards, Brylee Inghram, Calvin Hilten, Macy Hilten, Max Barber and Isla Barber; one sister Gloria Barr of Macomb, Illinois, several nieces and nephews and his beloved dog, Sandy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Howard Gulick and Don Gulick and one sister, Marsha Avery.
Memorial Services will be at 11:00 am, Saturday, January 17, 2026 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL. Visitation will be 9:00-11:00 am Saturday morning at the funeral home. Cremation rites have been accorded. Memorials American Heart Association and can be sent to the funeral home. For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com
