Vernell L. “Bernie” Gullickson, 63, of Austin died Friday, July 15, 2016, at the St. Marys campus at Mayo Clinic Hospital  in Rochester.

Vernell “Bernie” was born Dec. 14, 1952, in Austin, to Grant E. and Lorraine J. (Anderson) Gullickson. He graduated with the class of 1971 from Albert Lea High School. Bernie began his career with Midwest Diesel in Austin and later worked at Farmstead Foods in Albert Lea. He finished his career with Hormel Foods in Austin and was forced to retire early due to health concerns. Bernie loved to fish, enjoyed going to sales and auctions and treasured time spent with his friends.

He is survived by his son, Ryan Dietrich, of Austin; brothers Larry (Gayle) Gullickson, Glen (Cheryl) Gullickson and Daryl Gullickson; and sister, Joyce Gullickson, all of Austin; and his close friend, Rick Johnson, of Austin.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial services will be at 1 p.m. Friday at Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin. The Rev. Karen Behling will officiate. Vernell’s family will greet friends from 11:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Oakland Lutheran Cemetery in rural Oakland. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.