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Submitted: 8/28/21 • Approved: 9/7/21 • Last Updated: 9/10/21 • R272640-G272640-S3
George Arthur Gulson
September 05, 1939 - June 14, 2021
Sioux Falls, S.D. ~ George Arthur Gulson, age 81, passed away on Monday, June 14, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM on Friday, June 18, 2021 at Brandon Lutheran Church in Brandon, S.D. Visitation will be held on Thursday at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in Sioux Falls, SD from 5:00 P.M. until 7:30 P.M. followed by Public Masonic Rites at 7:30 P.M.
George was born on September 5, 1939 in Sioux Falls, SD to James Arthur and Lillian (Blumer) Gulson. He was raised in the South Dakota communities of Hartford, Trent and Hudson. He graduated from Hudson in 1958 and then continued his education at SDSU, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in music in 1962. George then attended graduate school at SDSU earning his Masters in School Administration in 1963. George later attended USD and earned an Educational Administration Specialist degree in 1984.
George was united in marriage with DeLoris Anne Eiesland on August 17, 1968 in Sioux Falls, SD. From this union, George and DeLoris were blessed with one son, James.
George began his career in education at Brandon Valley School District, Brandon, SD, in 1963 as director of Bands. After 11 years he changed positions and moved to Jr. High/middle school in 1974 to become Principal and stayed in that position at Brandon Valley for 19 years. Following that position the Board of Education asked him to take over as Superintendent of Schools. He held that position for 13 years before retiring in 2006. Accomplishments during his 43 years at Brandon Valley were, while directing the bands was instrumental in organizing the Brandon Valley Band Parents Association. As Junior High Principal he worked with his staff planning a new building to house 6th, 7th and 8th grade which opened in 1994. As superintendent he saw Brandon Valley attain the highest state test scores and was successful in several capital outlay projects including Robert Bennis Elementary, a new band room, a bus storage and maintenance building and finally a home for the Arts in the 800 seat Performing Arts Center.
While living in Brandon, George served on the Water and Sewer Boards of Directors as Brandon grew prior to Brandon becoming a city in 1972. He served on the Brandon Development Corporation and was a charter member of the Brandon Area Community Foundation started in 2006.
Other organizations he participated in were Brandon Lions Club, Masonic Unity Lodge 130, El Riad Shrine and served as director of the El Riad Big Band, played for 19 years in the Sioux Falls Municipal Band, member of Sioux Empire Brass and was active in the Brandon Lutheran Church.
He enjoyed traveling many world trips with good friends and his time with his family, in particular his grandson who was the apple of his eye. He enjoyed being able to continue performing in band and brass groups in church and the various El Riad Shrine bands along with the Sioux Empire Brass.
George is survived by his wife, DeLoris; son, James Gulson; grandson, Dylan Gulson of Sioux Falls, SD; and sister, Cecilia Gulson of Brandon, SD.
George was preceded in death by his parents, James Arthur Gulson and Lillian Gulson.
Memorials may be directed to Brandon Lutheran Church, George Gulson Brandon Valley Music Endowment Scholarship Fund, Brandon Area Community Foundation or El Riad Shrine.
Section Summit Plot # 274
Contributed on 8/28/21 by 9katz
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Record #: 272640