Fredrick "Fred" Gulick

Fredrick Dale Gulick, Senior, died April 2nd, 2025, in his home with his family. Born in 1941 in Owosso, he lived his life in Michigan, settling for good in his dream home on Elk Lake in 1987.

Known for being a hard worker, as a kid Fred worked on his grandpa’s farm in Bancroft, folded boxes for a dress shop, and delivered newspapers. While still in high school, he started work at the A&P grocery store in Owosso, moving on after graduation to help open the new State Street store in Saginaw in the early 60s, where he met his future wife Ann. Fred went on to be A&P’s youngest manager ever.

Born with entrepreneurial spirit, Fred opened the first “Little Giant” store in 1968. By the 80s, he owned stores in Clio, Montrose, and Chesaning. He was president of the Rotary Club of Clio in the late 70s, and led Project 80s, which raised funds to create a new bike path and park improvements in Clio. He was possibly proudest of winning the “Brothers of the Brush” first prize for the “Fullest Beard” at Clio’s Centennial Celebration in 1973 – a beard he sported until the end. Fred ran a small wholesale business once he moved Up North, selling to many convenience store customers in the area up until he turned 80. He remained active in business and community affairs and always had plenty to say at township meetings.

Forever on the move, Fred was an outdoorsman happiest walking in the woods tracking turkey and deer, or in his boat or shanty with a fishing pole in his hand. Most calm mornings Ann would wake up to find a Post-It saying, “Gone Fishing.” No one knew the fishing spots on and around Elk Lake better, and he generously shared his secrets with friends and family of all ages. Those who were lucky enough to go out with him came back with great memories and nearly always a big haul. Over the years, he took several epic hunting and fishing trips to Colorado, Montana and Alaska. Fred also loved watching and playing golf. He played a great game of golf from his high school years right through the 18 holes he played at the Bellaire Centennial Golf Club with his son and grandson at age 82.

A kid at heart, Fred loved building bonfires, water fights, setting off fireworks, and teasing. The family called him the “Pied Piper” because the grandkids and great-nieces and nephews always ran after him knowing they’d find some fun. Fred was a trustworthy, loyal, good guy who showed up and jumped in to help without being asked. He was fiercely independent, and the only herds he ever followed were the four-legged ones.

Beloved by his family, Fred is survived by his wife of nearly 62 years Ann O’Connor Gulick, his son Fred Gulick Jr. (Staci Hunt), his daughter Gwen Gulick (Tag Frothingham), and his grandchildren Thomas Gulick, Davis Frothingham, and Jane Frothingham. He leaves behind his sister Brenda Moore, his wife’s sisters Frances O’Connor, Phyllis O’Connor, and Kathleen DeGange, and a large extended family including dozens of dear nieces and nephews. He will also be remembered by his long-time fishing and poker buddies and wonderful neighbors.

The Gulick family would like to thank their kind neighbors, friends, and family who were so attentive during Fred’s illness. They also thank the caring teams at Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Northern Michigan, NorthStar Palliative Care, and Hospice of Michigan.

If you would like to pay a tribute to Fred, please consider a donation to Reel Recovery, a nonprofit that offers free fly-fishing retreats for men living with all forms of cancer https://www.reelrecovery.org/

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. The family would appreciate posts of your memories of Fred in the online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements are in the care of the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.