"We have so many memories of sharing great times together that we will cherish forever. Playing volleyball at Irving School on Friday nights in West Allis was the first time that we had met Dale. His ability to play was above and beyond the talent level of most everyone there. But he was so friendly and funny and his laugh will always be etched in our minds. I was so lucky to have the chance to play on the same team with him. It was the most fun playing fours with Sue and Dale together against all the teams with six people. Dale just dominated and he would be flying all over the place. I was in awe of the talent level he possessed. Then there was the time Dale and Kelly drove Sue's car all the way to Miami to play in a Pro Beach VB tourney. Sue and I and her sisters were already down there and it was a great time to watch them play.
Fun times went beyond the volleyball life, there were the many parties - New Year's, Halloween, and other theme ones, camping at Mirror Lake, getting married three weeks apart, and sharing kid stories. Those times will never be forgotten. Dale loved to make people laugh and he loved his sports.
Dale, you were taken away way too early but we are thankful to have shared many great times together. We know you are no longer suffering and are in a better place. Thanks for the laughter and we will continue to look up to you in your eternal home - heaven....
"
In loving memory of
Dale E. Rohde
Dale Rohde, a resident of Brookfield, Wisconsin for the past twenty years, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, January 15, 2014, after a courageous 4 month battle with lymphoma. He was 49 years old.
He was a loving husband to Susan (nee Nelson) for 24 years, and a caring and devoted father to his children Dean, Brenda, and Kyle. Dale was the beloved son of Dorothy (nee Campbell) and the late Allan Rohde, and a dear brother to Elizabeth Sertich (Nicholas) of West Allis, Linda Sowinski (the late Robert) of Mina SD, James Rohde of Apple Valley MN, Allan Rohde (Cheryl) of Wauwatosa, John Rohde (Janice) of Colorado Springs CO, the late Thomas Rohde (April) of Wendell NC, Donna Gagliano (Charles) of Milwaukee, Keith Rohde (Lynette) of Maple Grove MN, Paul Rohde (Joni) of New Berlin, Christopher Rohde of West Allis, and Mark Rohde of West Allis. He was further survived by many nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts and in-laws.
Dale was born in Milwaukee WI, and graduated from West Milwaukee High School. He held many jobs throughout the years, including assistant manager at Super America from 1987 - 1991, paraprofessional at Burleigh Elementary in Brookfield from 2000 - 2005, and machine operator at Supply One Wisconsin in Jackson since 2005. He was also a parent volunteer at Burleigh Elementary, holding the chairperson position for fundraisers Entertainment Book, Boxtops for Education, and Kemps "Give 'em Five". But his most important job was 'Mr. Mom'. He spent 15 years raising his 3 children, and was extremely proud to watch them blossom into responsible young adults.
Dale enjoyed golfing, softball, camping, and playing Sheepshead and cribbage. He was an avid fan of the Packers and Brewers, and he watched practically any sports that ESPN would broadcast. But his passion was always volleyball. He was a player, a parent, a coach and an official.
He played volleyball at West Milwaukee High School from 1979-1981. After high school he spent a lot of time at Bradford Beach. He played many beach tournaments in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan and Florida, including appearances in the Milwaukee Pro Beach tournament from 1985-1990. He met his future wife at a volleyball tournament at Beacon Bowl in New Berlin, and proposed to Sue at a March of Dimes 'Play Your Way to Paradise' tournament in Puerto Rico in 1987. He continued to play both indoor and outdoor on numerous teams, including mens and co-ed, doubles, triples and sixes. Fun times were had by all at the Mens Open Championships that were held in the Midwest. A special treat was being able to play in summer leagues with his son Kyle for the past few years.
He coached the JV boys team at Brookfield East High School in 1989 and 1990, and coached boys teams ages 12, 14 and 17 at Southwest Volleyball Club from 2006-2009.
Dale's officiating career spans from 1990 to 2013. He has been an official for high school, junior club, and college men's and women's volleyball, including Divisions 1, 2, 3 and NAIA. He also reffed for the Pro Beach Open in Milwaukee. He was involved with Badger Region Volleyball for 18 years. Past responsibilities in the Badger Region include Referee Assigner, Referee Chair and Outdoor Chair. Dale received his Junior National rating in 1998 and his National rating in 2001.
Everything about Dale was large - his 6' 5" height, his big family, his huge group of friends, his booming voice, his generous heart and his desire to help others. Big Daddy. Large and In Charge. The Big Kahauna. Larger than Life.
The family would like to give special thanks to his volleyball family for giving support and laughter to the end.
A visitation will be held at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield WI, on Friday January 31, 2014 from 4:00-7:00 PM. A 'Celebration of Life' with a time of sharing will start at 7:00 PM. Tributes and stories will be told by family, friends and co-workers.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Dale's name may be made to 'Badger Region Volleyball' to support a special boys volleyball event, The Dale Rohde Memorial Tournament. See http://badgervolleyball.org/dale-rohde-memorial/ for details and mailing/Paypal information.
Tributes
"I am part of the Lightning family, but I got to know Dale best from doing the NCAA book at UW-Green Bay. Whenever Dale walked onto the court, I knew it was going to be a fun game! "
"Dale - It has truly been a gift to have you and your family in my life. You were an inspiration and role model to me. Your laughter and humor added joy, fun and light in my life. Those memories I will cherish forever. It is because of you that I have experienced some of the most fulfilled experiences in my volleyball life. You gave me the confidence and strength to continue to become a national referee when I wanted to quit and not push forward. Thank you so much for that gift that has allowed me to grow and experience all the volleyball community has to give. Your spirit and humor continued until the last hours you were with us here. I cannot even express the value of the gift you gave by giving myself and others the opportunity to say goodbye and experience your playful look at life. Thank you for being part of my life. You are and will be missed, but I will help carry your memory forward. Julie"
"As a Christian, we are to celebrate one's passing. But as people,we mourn the loss of one's passing. Today (01/15/2014) myself and SupplyOne mourn the loss of a co-worker...Dale Rohde. It is so amazing how one person's life can have such an impact on so many other lives. Dale's life impacted my life and the lives of so many people in the most amazing ways. I will miss those days when I would hear "Gun Shows in the House!" At the Christmas Parties yelling across the bar that Dave Z is drinking a Shirley Temple!...To those nights at Miller Park when we would wave to one another across the diamond. I'm going to miss those days of talking about our beloved Brewers, Bucks, etc... and to those silly knee slapping conversations that had no meaning whatsoever - but made the both of us just laugh and make our work day go smoother. Dale was a great friend and had such a beautiful spirit - A spirit that just made a person feel welcomed. May your light always shine bright even in the darkest of days. I will never forget you. I hope you remember me when we see each other again someday! We will all miss you...Love "The Gun Show!"."
"It was obvious from the first time I met Dale that he loved life! From being a great Dad, to playing & coaching volleyball, all the way to making late night Taco Bell runs, you could count on hearing his unique & contagious laughter! His spirit will live on forever in his family & friends, but he will certainly be missed! "
"I knew Dale for many of the years i coached women's volleyball at UW Oshkosh. He always had a smile on his face and always went out of his way to promote the growth of both men's and women's volleyball in the sate of Wisconsin. Dale was always willing to ref a match on short notice and with little compensation. He also helped run more official's clinics than I can remember making it possible for scores of young people to get sanctioned as officials. Although I have been out of coaching for close to 10 years now, I still remember Dale as a big man, not just in physical size but large in character, kindness and heart. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Rohdes and I hope they realize how much Dale meant to the volleyball family of Wisconsin. We have all lost a member of that family but because of his contributions, that family is strong and will continue to grow stronger over time."
"We are so terribly sorry to hear about Dale passing. He was such a kind and gentle man. He was extremely nice to our kids, Michael and Katie and always gave them good advice when it came to volleyball. Our heartfelt condolences to your whole family and especially Kyle who lost one of his biggest cheerleaders in the stands - but now he'll be cheering from heaven. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you."
"We will always remember the camping trips our families took and how Dale always had his antics to keep us laughing! He was a very special man and we were privileged to have known albeit briefly in this earthly life. Memories are a gift to those left behind - cherish yours of this special man! Love, thoughts and prayers to Sue and Family"
"We have lost one of the greatest individuals I have ever met. Sue and family you have my deepest sympathies. The memories involving you and Dale are too many to list. I just now how the two of you have touched my life. AS a volleyball partner, their was no one better. As a friend, he was always there. Just like you. He will be missed greatly. The laughter, the smile and just the good times. Rest in peace "Dale"."
"First and foremost my deepest sympathies to Sue and your family. Although not being in contact with Dale in way too many years, it was great to see that Dale had influenced another 2 generations of volleyball players. Back in the day their was no better friend on and off the court! The world has lost a very gentle soul. May He take Dale to His side and give him the gift of eternal life!"
"Dear Sue and family, We were so very, very sorry to hear about Dale. God's strength is greatest when we are weak. We pray that you will turn to Him during this difficult time. May you have peace in your hearts that only He can provide."
"We will always remember lots of good times playing volleyball and hanging out afterwards discussing every play! Dale lived life to the fullest - we will cherish the memories!"
"Sue - we would like to extend our very deepest sympathy to you and your family. Dale was such a unique person - always so fun-loving and quick with the jokes. We had so much fun sitting with you and Dale at many Beta Christmas parties. You have so many wonderful memories of him and your life together - may these memories bring you comfort during this difficult time."
"Dale liked to clip coupons as does my wife. He was the first person she wanted to meet at Annie's retirement party. When he heard we were having twins, he would bring me coupons for diapers, wipes, etc. We're very grateful. When I told him Pampers worked best, he still brought Huggies too and said with a laugh, "Give these to you in-laws." He was such an outgoing, friendly guy. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers."
"I will miss seeing Dale around the National volleyball events. He had a smile for everyone, and was always quick to step in and give a hand wherever it was needed. I will raise a beer in toast to Dale tonight and remember his never ending smile."
"Will never forget Dale's laugh. "
"Susan; I'm so shocked and saddened by this. Dale and I wouldn't see each other outside of reffing at Nationals and maybe Qualifiers, but it was always like we had seen each other yesterday. He was always a joy to be around and will be sorely missed by all of us."
"Dale will be remembered in the volleyball world forever. He was my mentor, friend and hero. May you all be comforted in the knowledge of the impression he has left on so many."
"Brenda & family - I will always remember Mr. Rohde picking us up and taking us to and from various locations in your purple van. So many memories in that van! We always had such a fun time, singing and laughing, and he would let us get away with it (and listen to what we wanted on the radio!). It's hard to imagine life without him. While that was many years ago, it still feels like yesterday. I have been thinking and praying for your family this week. Wishing I could make it back to Brookfield today. Lots of love - LK"