Fulkerson - Stevenson Funeral Home It Is Our Privilege And Purpose To Serve You Springan - Stevenson Funeral Home
Fulkerson - Stevenson Funeral Home
Springan - Stevenson Funeral Home
It Is Our Privilege And Purpose To Serve You
Julian "Lee" Gunlikson
April 2, 1952 - January 15, 2025

Place of Birth: Williston, North Dakota
Residence: Williston, North Dakota
Age: 72



Lee Gunlikson, age 72, passed away on January 15, 2025 at Sanford Hospital, Bemidji, MN.

Lee was the third son born to Julian and Lorraine (Emery) Gunlikson on April 2, 1952. He grew up in Zahl, ND and graduated from Grenora High School with the class of 1970.

In high school he was an outstanding athlete in football, basketball and baseball. After high school he attended NDSU where he graduated with a degree in Agriculture Education. While at NDSU he played football and also some basketball and baseball. Lee has been a huge supporter of Bison Nation ever since. He was football season ticket holder, a member of NDSU Team Makers and attended many National Championship games in Frisco, TX. ONCE A BISON . . . ALWAYS A BISON.

Lee went on to teach and coach football at Tioga High School until he moved back to Zahl to start farming and coaching football in Grenora.

Lee married Shirley Miller and they were blessed with their beautiful daughter. Samantha Jo has been his pride and joy ever since. In 2017 Sam married Brandon Pond and Lee gained the son he never had. Sam and Brandon made Lee a “Papa” in 2020 with the birth of Reagan Lee. He was so proud and always had a picture to show or story to tell about them.

In 1983 Lee and his brother-in-law Rick Tangedal opened All Seasons Sport About, Inc in Williston. Lee was on the road for many years selling uniforms, shoes, caps, jackets and Ad Specialty Items to Schools, Oilfield and all businesses. He loved visiting with all of the customers and had time for everyone. They successfully operated Sport About for 36 years and were awarded “Icon of the Year” by the Williston Economic Development Association in 2019.

Lee was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, NDSU Team Makers, Jaycees, Williston Downtowners, the Moose Lodge, Williston Sports Committee, Korner Lions and other organizations. He was a Korner Lion for 41 years where he held many positions and chaired many events. He also served on the North Dakota Lions Foundation Board for 6 years. He was recognized with a Melvin Jones Fellowship presented by the Korner Lions Club for his humanitarian and community service. He was always promoting Lions in the community and gained many valuable friendships through this organization over the years.

People knew Lee everywhere he went. He made many lifelong friendships throughout the years and always took time for a visit, a hug, and a smile. He was everyone’s cheerleader and with his big booming voice you knew he was in the room. He truly cared about everyone!

Lee is survived by his daughter, Samantha Pond, her husband Brandon and his granddaughter Reagan Lee Pond. His brothers, Roger (Pam), Don (Carol Ann) Gunlikson and sisters, Laurie Bartz, Janet (Rick) Tangedal and Sandy (Rod) Opperud and their families. His nephews and nieces, aunts and uncles and cousins were so important to him. There were very few family events or reunions that he did not attend or help plan.

Lee is preceded in death by his parents, his brother David, brother-in-law Ron Bartz, nephew and godson Travis Lee Gunlikson and great nephew Micah Bartz.

Lee Gunlikson- loving Dad, Papa, Brother, Uncle, Cousin, Teammate, Coach, Businessman, Fellow Lion and Friend to all . . . you will be missed!

God Bless the Memory of Julian Lee Gunlikson. “Gunner”

Memorial Contribution
If you would like to give a Memorial in memory of Lee please consider donating to the following or the charity of your choosing:

Grenora Public School Foundation
PO Box 38
Grenora, ND 58845

Williston State College Foundation
PO Box 1286
Williston, ND 58802

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
1821 9th Ave W
Williston, ND 58801

Korner Lions
PO Box 664
Williston, ND 58802

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June Ralph (Williston, ND)
Jan 16, 2025
My heart sank when I saw that you passed away. Sport About was my first job other than babysitting. You were an amazing person, very LOUD, but that is who you were. Prayers and condolences to your family and friends.
Allan Knutson (mandan, ND)
Jan 16, 2025
Sorry to hear of Lee's passing. Lee was always a great supporter of the Williston area and the Bison.
Loren Haugen (Bismarck, ND)
Jan 16, 2025
Lee was one of the most genuine people I have had the pleasure to know. We worked on many Korner Lions' projects and promotions in the Williston community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Beth M.Innis (Williston, ND)
Jan 16, 2025
To the Family of Lee:
He was a good man and will be missed by many. My heart goes out to each and everyone of you.
Carol oxner (Tioga, ND)
Jan 16, 2025
I knew him as Mr Gunlikson. As he was a teacher at my school. Big sports fan he was. Followed his path further. That’s when he bought sport about. He became Lee then then gunner. He was so proud of his daughter and grandkids!! Will miss him!! He was a great guy!!
Angie (Vennes) Resell (Williston, ND)
Jan 16, 2025
To My Gunlikson Cousins, Lee will be missed. Rich and I are sending our prayers to you all.
Robert Marquardt (Minot, NORTH DAKOTA)
Jan 16, 2025
So sorry for the loss of Lee. Always so enjoyable to be around and a great Bison and supporter of NDSU.
tim lynch (williston, ND)
Jan 16, 2025
Great supporter of the Williston community and a jovial person to be around. Always there to lend a hand. We indeed lost a good one. Lee, you are missed!!
RIP
Frank J Smith (Mesa, Arizona)
Jan 16, 2025
Sorry to hear the passing of Lee “Gunner”. He will be missed by his family and friends. Have many memories of playing all sports when we were growing up. RIP Lee!
Kathleen Sinclair (Williston, ND)
Jan 16, 2025
Lee was such a welcoming person. He always greeted me and gave me a hug when I met him in the ARC halls
Wayne Anderson
Jan 16, 2025
My condolences to your family. It was always great to see you and a privilege to be one of your physicians. We both shared a small town life in our youth.
Jeanne Knudsvig
Jan 16, 2025
My prayers & thoughts are with all of you ! Keep his memories close to your hearts to help you through the days ahead..
Sincere sympathy
Jeanne
Debi Messersmith (Williston, ND)
Jan 16, 2025
Rest in Peace Mr Gunlikson. I was at Tioga High School when you were there in the 70's. You were always so nice to us students.
Val Trumpower
Jan 16, 2025
I was so sad to hear of Lee's passing. I have known Lee for a long time. When I worked at the Chamber we were on several committees, and many other community activities. He will be missed.
Pete Kilbride (Dayton, Wyoming)
Jan 16, 2025
So sad to hear of Coach Gunlickson’s passing. He was always larger than life, prayers to the family during this difficult time.
Loren Nelson (Devils Lake, North Dakota)
Jan 17, 2025
So sorry to hear about Lee's passing! Just spent time with him at an NDSU football game a few weeks back and was always a supporter of Williston State basketball when I was there back in the 80's! RIP Lee!
John and Marlene Sandaker (Williston, N.D.)
Jan 17, 2025
So sad to hear of his passing. Prayers to his family !
Steve & Jan Sell (Fargo, ND)
Jan 17, 2025
Our deepest condolences to all of the Gunlikson family. Family was everything to Lee. Well…family and Bison football! A great loss for all of you. Take care and cherish all the memories.
Steve and Linda Johnson (Lisbon, ND)
Jan 17, 2025
Lee was my mentor the first year of teaching at Tioga High School back in '77. A friendship that has lasted over 47 yrs. I always looked forward to reconnecting with Lee during Bison football games. We had a great visit last fall. Our thoughts and prayers are with Lee's family.
Jimmy Heinert (BISMARCK, ND)
Jan 17, 2025
Our family's thoughts and prayers are with the Gunlikson family and friends. I have some of the greatest hunting & fishing memories sharing time both with Lee and Gene Emery that will never be forgotten. My only hope is that somehow Lee was able to watch and enjoy the FCS National Football Championship with NDSU and Montana State, recently. May he rest in peace.
Tammi Vandal (West Fargo , ND)
Jan 17, 2025
I'm so sorry to hear of Lee's passing, always quick with a smile and kind hug. You will be missed Lee!
Eberle Mick (Zahl , ND)
Jan 17, 2025
Prayers and hugs to Lee’s family.
Lee always wore that smile and always had time to visit. He will be missed by many!
Steve and Linda Johnson (Lisbon, ND)
Jan 17, 2025
Lee was my mentor the first year of teaching at Tioga High School back in '77. A friendship that has lasted over 47 yrs. I always looked forward to reconnecting with Lee during Bison football games. We had a great visit last fall. Our thoughts and prayers are with Lee's family.
Kris McPherson (Bismarck, ND)
Jan 17, 2025
So sorry to hear this news, prayers to the family, his presence will be missed in Williston!!
Roxanne Henke (Wishek, ND)
Jan 17, 2025
Lee was a big teddy bear. Always greeting me with a big smile and a hug. He made me feel welcome no matter where our paths crossed (often at Bison games). I will miss him.
Duane Jorstad (Queen Creek, Arizona)
Jan 17, 2025
So very sad to hear of this !! A wonderful person from a wonderful family. Our hearts and prayers
go out to all. Rest in peace Lee !!
Don Dihle (Pine Haven, Wyoming)
Jan 17, 2025
My condolences to Lee's family. I knew Lee from high school as an exceptional athlete, and later as a teacher, coach and friend to many.
Clint and Pam Rasmussen (West Fargo, ND)
Jan 17, 2025
Sending our heartfelt sympathy in the loss of a very kind gentleman. Lee will be missed!!
So very heartbreaking.
John Seil (Goodyear , Arizona)
Jan 17, 2025
I was saddened to hear of Lee’s passing. I use to do a lot of business with Sport About and I always loved visiting with Lee. He was always so kind and friendly. Our prayers to his family. We have lost a true gentleman.
Lee Halvorson (Rolette, ND)
Jan 18, 2025
I was saddened to hear of Lee's passing. He was a great person, a Williston sports booster and of course a Bison booster. I will always remember our visits about area high school athletics.
RIP, my friend.
Kell
Jan 18, 2025
I'm so sorry to learn of Lee's passing. He was a good friend and an all around nice guy. Love and prayers for his family.
David Stevens (Casper, Wyoming)
Jan 18, 2025
I remember the Gunlickson family growing up in Zahl. Lee was always an awesome athlete. Always enjoyed watching him on the basketball court. RIP my friend. Condolences to the Family.
Gene & Linda Gorseth (Bismarck , ND)
Jan 19, 2025
Thoughts and prayers to Lees family and friends. Many memories of stopping in Sport About to see Rick and Lee.
Deb Toppenberg (Lake Havasu , Az)
Jan 19, 2025
We will all miss Lee, he was always ready to visit and we were so proud of his athleticism.
Brad Seymour
Jan 19, 2025
RIP "Gunner"! Go Bison!!
Harry Bakken (HUNTSVILLE, AL)
Jan 20, 2025
May our great and loving God bless Lee's family.
Pete Artz (Bottineau, ND)
Jan 20, 2025
I knew Lee for many years. Larger than life in everything he did. Great Sports fan and of course his Mighty Bison. He’s going to be missed RIP my friend
Kari Hite (Tucson, Az)
Jan 20, 2025
So sorry to hear of Lee’s passing. He was a good guy when I knew him in the Zahl/Grenora area. I remember playing tag & hide/seek with the Gunlikson gang as a child. My condolences to all the family members
Eberle Mick (Zahl , ND)
Jan 20, 2025
Prayers and hugs to Lee’s family.
Lee always wore that smile and always had time to visit. He will be missed by many!
Arden Page Family (Hastings, Mn)
Jan 21, 2025
Our condolences to Lee's entire family.
Jim and Linda Irgens (Horseshoe Bay, TX)
Jan 21, 2025
So sorry to hear of Lee’s passing he was a great man and will be missed by all family and friends. Our hearts and prayers go out to all.
Mary Conlin-Warner (Saint Paul, MN)
Jan 21, 2025
I had the pleasure to work with Lee and Rick at Sport About. He was passionate about sports, supporting young athletes, and warm and welcoming to all. He had a big heart. He will be missed by many. God Bless you Lee
My prayers to the family.
Mary
Warren Carlson (Eagle, Idaho)
Jan 21, 2025
Our condolences to the Gunlikson family & close friends. Let your hearts be lifted by good memories & the blessing he was to each & all during this time.
Bernie and Mary Hall (Harvey , ND)
Jan 21, 2025
Dear family of Lee, I played baseball against him in HS (Berthold) he was an impressive athlete way back then! Had classes together at NDSU, where he continued his talents on the football field. Such a nice guy and always humble even though so accomplished. Being in Harvey these last 45 yrs, we would see him occasionally when he'd see his sister Laurie and family. Our deepest sympathy to the Gunlickson family, he's resting in peace now.....
David & Janice Arnson (Williston, ND)
Jan 21, 2025
To the Gunlickson family, sorry to all for the loss of Lee. Always knew he was going to be calling in the fall selling apples & pears for Lions Club. Thoughts and prayers to all the family & friends, Sincerely David & Janice Arnson
Tomi Vennes and Family of Charles "Lindy' Vennes (Minot, ND)
Jan 21, 2025
To our Gunlikson Cousins, Please accept our sincerest condolences...Lee will be greatly missed. On behalf of the Charles "Lindy" Vennes Family, Mom (Tomi) and I, and the rest of our family will always have fond memories of Lee. May he rest in Peace... and may Peace be with you all.
Jon Vennes
Jim Basaraba (New Town, North Dakota )
Jan 22, 2025
Lee was a good friend and neighbor who will be missed and remembered.
His good nature, generosity, and willingness to help others were just a few of his strong character strengths.
His passing seems to have created an empty void for me that I am sure countless others who got to know Lee will also feel.
A true loss too soon.
Herman H Backhaus (Azle, TX)
Jan 22, 2025
We will miss you and remember you as a great friend and a superior fellow football coach !
Therresa Christopherson (Larsen) (Williston, ND)
Jan 22, 2025
I am so sorry to see this! Lee was always so friendly and never missed a chance to stop and say hi! He was the definition of "shopping local", as he treated you like you were his #1 customer! He was a truly wonderful guy and will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this most difficult time.
Jim Basaraba (New Town, North Dakota )
Jan 22, 2025
Lee was a good friend and neighbor who will be missed and remembered.
His good nature, generosity, and willingness to help others were just a few of his strong character strengths.
His passing seems to have created an empty void for me that I am sure countless others who got to know Lee will also feel.
A true loss to soon.
David Brossart (Mesa, AZ)
Jan 22, 2025
I got to know Lee in 1996-97 when I was temporarily sent to Williston for work, a friend arranged for me to meet Lee as he could help me find a place to live. After a 10 minute conversation Lee offered me to just stay with him, that's the kindness and big heart I learned Lee had. From then on our adventures began, fishing, hunting, golf, NDSU football games, the casino, you name it he was always up for it. As the years past we still kept in contact but less and less as his daughter Samantha, her husband Brandon and especially his granddaughter Reagan became more of his life. Lee is gone now but the stories and his legacy will live on.
Debi Messersmith (Williston, ND)
Jan 22, 2025
Rest in Peace Mr. Gunlikson - you were always so nice when I was going to Tioga High School. I'm sure your family will miss you but hopefully they know that you are in a far better place now. God Bless you and your family.
Wayne Hendrickson (Culbertsson, Montana)
Jan 22, 2025
Condolences to Lee's family. I have memories of playing softball against Lee and his Zahl team back in the 80's and giving up a few homeruns to him when I was pitching. We also purchased our Dagmar team uniforms from him at All Season's Sportabout. He was great at helping us out. RIP Lee
Lynn Kjorstad (New Brighton , Minnesota)
Jan 22, 2025
I first heard Lee Gunlikson mentioned on KEYZ SATURDAY MORNING COACHES CORNER IN 1968. COACH GEORGE AMSDEN and COACH JIM MCPHERSON were hosting and George said there is ALL SPORT NATURAL ATHLETE up in Grenora...you will remember the first time you see him play...man among boys
Three years later, he was my basketball teammate at NDSU in a Junior Varsity game against rival UND.
LEE was viciously knocked to the floor by a smirking UND player...I reciprocated and was benched. Lee came over and was upset at my action and told me in strong TERMS....I take care of myself!.
From 2009 to 2014 Warner Huss and I would travel to Williston to visit family and friends. We would always stop at Sport About to see Lee...THREE NDSU FORMER BASKETBALL PLAYERS SHARING THOSE MEMORIES...BLESSED WEST RIVER PLAYERS AS WE WERE Called BY OUR TEAMMATES.
Lynn Kjorstad


Tim Lebsock (Williston )
Jan 22, 2025
A big man with an even bigger heart. My condolences to his whole family. Godspeed Lee!
Sarah Hernandez (Billings, Montana)
Jan 22, 2025
Oh, Sam - I am beyond devastated for you and the heartache you all are suffering from. What an immense loss this is for all of you. I only have the very best memories of your dad and all of the silliness he tolerated from us at his condo. Some of my most treasured memories are with you from a sleepover at your dad's! He was so warm and kind and radiated love for you. I can only imagine how special of a relationship he must've had with your daughter.

I am just gutted for you knowing how deep this pain must feel - keeping you close in my heart during this time.
Pat Artz (Bottineau, ND)
Jan 23, 2025
I had many fun times during home and away Bison Games. He was my travel partner when NDSU beat the Gophers in MSP.....what passionate fan.
He once was stranded at my farm for a few days on one of his sales trips.....not much to eat but frozen pizzas. He left too early and hit a drift west of Mohall and spent the next 2 days at an elderly couple's house.....he called back and told me they had served him roast beef, potatoes, fresh baked pie and all the fixings....."I should have left earlier!" "Once a Bison always a Bison".
RIP my friend.
Dave DeLong (Tucson, AZ )
Jan 23, 2025
I was truly shocked to hear of Lee's passing. Loved by all does not even begin to describe how people felt about him. Hanging out with Lee and his brother David always made me feel so popular because between them both, they knew everyone, and no one was a stranger to them. I will miss him.
David Leom (Milaca, MN)
Jan 24, 2025
RIP Lee, always a friendly face and one to count on when you needed something. Thank you Lee for your dedication to the sports communities in and around Williston!
Kim and Greg DeLorme (Williston, ND)
Jan 24, 2025
Lee was a great guy and always so fun to visit with!!! We are out of town but thoughts and prayers are with all of you!!!
Leon Helstad (Trout Creek, MT)
Jan 24, 2025
Sorry to hear of Lee passing. He was a good Guy. I think he Knew everyone in town in old Williston.
RIP Lee.
Colin March (WILLISTON, ND)
Jan 24, 2025
It's hard to imagine a more friendly person than Lee. He will be missed.
Nan (Spooner) Kennelly (Fargo, ND)
Jan 25, 2025
I was so sorry to see Lee had passed away. He was a fixture of my youth in Williston. My favorite memory comes years later however…my parents Bob and Maureen Spooner were celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. Lee’s uncle Rich Gunlickson from Shelby Montana was a groomsman in their wedding and he and his wife wanted to be at the celebration in Fargo. It was a long journey…but Lee made it happen. Rich and Leslie-Anne took the train to Williston and then Lee personally drove them to Fargo so they could celebrate with my parents. That really meant a lot to all of us. Our families were friends for years because of that Montana connection. Good people. Rest in peace Lee.

-The Spooner Family
Lois & Hugh Tan
Jan 25, 2025
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Lee will be missed. Rest in peace, Lee.
Joyce and Randy Schwartz (Mesa, Arizona)
Jan 25, 2025
As with all that knew Lee, we feel such a loss. And yet, we have very fond memories of Lee, which we'll never forget.

We'll remember Lee as always good at meeting people, building relationships and making sure that people got taken care of. There's so much one could learn from knowing Lee.

Goodbye for now dear friend.
Steve Helstad (Grand Forks, N.D.)
Jan 25, 2025
Sorry to hear about Lee, he was a great person and knew everyone, R.I.P. LEE
Jeff. Larson (Tioga, ND)
Jan 26, 2025
Thoughts and prayers go out to Lee’s family. I was on the team when he coached football in Tioga and also a student in one of his ag classes. Great guy. He will be missed by many
Sam Brandt (Albuquerque, NM)
Jan 28, 2025
It was good to be part of the gathering there in Williston this past week-end. Lee really had a lot of relatives & friends there for this celebration of life.
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