Dale Sussdorf touched the lives of many people. He had an easy laugh and a way of making others comfortable. He was an accomplished musician and thoroughly enjoyed the time he spent on stage. He was hard working, and took his responsibilities seriously. He appreciated feeling alive, and his love of motorcycles played a fundamental role in his life. He was an accomplished teacher, capable of helping his students not only understand what they were learning, but feel good about how they were learning. And above all, he was a devoted husband and father with deep appreciation and respect for his wife and son. He was a loyal friend, an exceptional teacher, and a loving husband and father.

Dale Sussdorf was born August 5, 1955 in San Antonio Texas. He graduated from Woodland High School in 1973, and spent the next three years in the armed forces. 1973 was also the year that Dale began his training in the martial arts. That training became a life-long passion that he shared with hundreds of people over his 34 years of practice and teaching. Dale met his wife of 22 years, Sue Sussdorf through the martial arts, and his son, Jason, has been raised around the dojo, and has become an accomplished martial artist in his own right.

Dale Sussdorf was known for his hospitality, and willingness to help others. He was generous and more interested in helping people to learn and love the martial arts than making a profit from his knowledge. His knowledge was expansive, and yet he treated both his students and other martial artists with a deep respect that was easy to return. He made respect one of the key tenants of his teaching, and often said that true respect shown to everyone was the answer to preventing and resolving conflicts, not only between individuals, but worldwide.

His impact as a teacher has been immeasurable. Not only did he teach the skills and techniques of martial arts, but he taught courage and self-reliance, confidence and temperance. He helped cultivate the best qualities of his students, and taught them how to do the same for others. He was a Sensei in the truest form.

He also taught the importance of family. He did this by example in his devotion to his own family, Sue and Jason, his nephews Chris and Adam, his parents, and his brother and sister. And he welcomed others into his family. He was a surrogate father to many of his students, a role model for those looking for guidance, and a source of support for those who weren’t sure where else to turn.

His love and respect for his family shone through whenever he talked about them. He often remarked how proud he was of Jason, of the kind of person his son has become. He had a sincere appreciation for Sue’s contributions to the family and a deep love for her as his wife. His family was the cornerstone of his life, and with them there at his side, he could endure anything, even the tragic murder of his father in 2005 and the death of his mother to cancer six months later. He showed a determination and a persistence that drew from the love and support of his family, and he never hesitated to give them that credit.

His death has left a void that will be impossible to fill. And yet his influence will live on – in his family, his friends, and his students. We are here to grieve his death. And we are here to celebrate his life and to be thankful for the time that we shared.

Thank you, Sensei Dale Sussdorf, for everything you’ve given us. We will do our best to use it well.

Dale Sussdorf is survived by his wife, Susan Sussdorf; son, Army Pfc. Jason Sussdorf of Woodland and his fiancé Army Spc. Jamie Dahl of woodland. He is also survived by his sister, Kathy Jensen and fiancé Chris Valenzuela of Rocklin; and brother, Joe Sussdorf and wife Lisa of Woodland; niece Lynsi Jensen; and nephews, Air Force Staff Sgt. Christopher Sussdorf and Adam Rosales. Mr. Sussdorf was preceded in death by his parents, Darryl and Shirley Sussdorf.