Daniel Wayne Gulick, 89, of Kirkwood died Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born Oct. 1, 1936, in Burlington, Iowa, the son of Milo Marion and Snoda Mae (Bence) Gulick. He was raised and educated in Kirkwood and attended Southeastern Community College in Burlington, Iowa.
He married Gladys Marie Lant on Aug. 1, 1956, in Raritan. She survives.
Dan learned mechanical skills at a young age and worked in construction before owning his own garage. He later worked for the Illinois Department of Transportation as garage supervisor for 33 years before retiring in 1999.
He was a proud member of Smithshire United Methodist Church, where he served on a dedicated committee and received the Faithful Servant Award. Dan loved life and people, and took great pride in his four daughters. He enjoyed traveling, riding motorcycles, golf, racing stock cars and go-karts, playing pool and spending time with family. He looked forward to Friday nights at R & K, going to the Y, and later developed a love for baking. He embraced new interests with enthusiasm as limitations arose, reflecting his enduring zest for life.
Survivors include his wife, Gladys; four daughters, Dianne (Wade) Whitnah of Wellston, Oklahoma, Dana (Mike) Gulick-Nielsen of Monmouth, Denise (Tim) Edwards of Roseville, and Donna (Jeff) Hilten of Smithshire; 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; 10 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; 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 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Cremation rites have been accorded. Interment will be private.
Memorials may be given to the American Heart Association and sent to the funeral home. For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.