Philip Peter Gulan

Funeral Mass for Philip P. Gulan, 85, of Virginia, formerly of Gilbert will be held 11 AM Monday, October 28, 2013 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Gilbert with Fr. Charles Flynn and Fr. Frank Perkovich as Con-Celebrants. Visitation will begin at 9:30 am and continue until Mass at the church. Interment will be in the Gilbert Cemetery. Arrangements are by the Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert. Philip’s family would like any memorials directed to the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church or The Essentia Health Hospice – East Range Team. Mr. Gulan died Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at Essentia Health -Virginia. Philip was born on May 26, 1928 to John and Victoria (Molesky) Gulan in Virginia, MN. He attended school and lived in Gilbert for most of his life. Philip began his working career in the eighth grade at the bus depot. During high school, he worked as the projectionist at the Lyceum Theatre. Philip graduated from high school in 1946, one year after WWII ended. Following high school he joined his father and brothers in Anchorage, AK, working in construction for two years. Upon returning to Minnesota, he attended Eveleth Junior College, graduating in 1950. Philip continued his education at St. Cloud University, graduating with a bachelor degree in biology in 1952. He later completed post-graduate studies at San Jose State University in San Jose, CA. He was united in marriage to Cecelia “Tillie” Begich on December 27, 1952 in Eveleth. The couple moved to Motley, MN where Phil began his teaching and coaching career. The couple returned to Gilbert in 1954. Phil taught biology and science at the Aurora-Hoyt Lakes High School until his retirement, ending a dedicated thirty-seven year teaching career. Having lettered in basketball, football, and track while in high school and college, Phil remained active in athletics by officiating basketball, football and baseball games for thirty-five years. Phil successfully served fifteen years as a member of the Gilbert School Board and also as Mayor of Gilbert, always promoting Gilbert at every opportunity. He was quick to remind people of the many Gilbert students who chose education as their profession. Teaching was Phil’s chosen life’s work. He was proud of all the students whom used their education to make productive and positive contributions to humanity. He cherished the contacts former students made with him through letters, phone calls, emails and friendships. Phil’s devotion to his church began when he was an altar server at the original St. Joseph’s church. He had served as a Trustee during the building of the present St. Joseph’s, and has the distinction of being the longest serving lector and usher in the history of St. Joseph’s, spanning forty-six years. Summer vacations for Phil meant being “on the road again”, as he always enjoyed driving. He found great pleasure in taking his family on vacations to new places and seeing sights they would always fondly remember and talk about. Phil considered traveling an education in itself. Phil will be remembered as a people person and lived by two favorite adages: “It doesn’t cost a cent to smile or say hello” and “Never give up hope, as then there is nothing left”. Phil is survived by his wife of sixty years: Cecelia; a daughter, Vicki (Dave) Skalko of Colorado Springs, CO; a son, Mike Gulan of Denver, CO; Five grandchildren, Kelly (Kyle) Saltzman of Edgewater, MD; Courtney Colby of Enid, OK; Nicholas Gulan of Chicago, IL; Major Mark (Jennifer) Skalko, USAF, of Colorado Springs, CO; and Andrew Gulan of Hopkins, MN; Five great-grandchildren; Connor, Jake, and Brianna Colby and Madison and Audrey Skalko; three siblings, Dr. John (Joan) Gulon of Eveleth, Charles (Veronica) Gulan of San Jose, CA, and James (Diane) Gulan of Gilbert; numerous nieces and nephews. Phil was preceded in death by his parents, John and Victoria; a brother, Richard, and a sister, Mary Ann Blair.