Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
David Sjuggerud Obituary
Delaney. Dave is survived by Jean Mellow Sjuggerud, his wife of 41 years, and his two sons Steve (Kassy) and Mike. He's also survived by his sisters Sandy Firestone (Jim) and his twin Diane Christensen (Vern). A "Celebration of Life" ceremony will be held at the Country Club of Orlando at 10AM on December 6th. All friends, family, and neighbors are welcome. Dave will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation, P.O. Box 64740, Baltimore, MD 21298.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Sjuggerud
John Hauser
November 24, 2023
After 60 years Sugar and the great Navy team of 1963 are still my favorite. Go Navy- Beat Army. John Hauser
John Hauser
June 7, 2023
My favorite Navy football player of all-time, THE GREAT NO. 81. Mr. Sailor. Go Navy! John Hauser
Andrew Lannon
January 9, 2009
I am dear friends with David's son, Mike. I also met David once while visiting the home with Mike. Mr. Sjuggerud was a nice man, and I am truly sorry for his passing. I can only hope and pray that he is in Heaven now.
Vern Von Sydow
December 7, 2008
To the Sjuggerud Family,
My words are inadequate for your loss. Dave was a college teammate, friend and fellow aviator that I admired. His warm smile, integrity, patriotism and friendship are some of the things in my life that I treasure most. He is missed.
My condolences and love.
Vern Von Sydow
USNA 63
Michelle Bees
December 6, 2008
Steve and Family,
We are terribly sorry for your loss. May the love of friends and family carry you through this difficult time. What an amazing life your dad led! (My brother was a Roger Staubach fan as a kid, so I enjoyed that fact about your dad.) You are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Bees Family
Kent Grose
December 5, 2008
I never personally met Dave,he helped me with some equities trading before his heart condition set in. I could tell from his voice and attitude that he was dedicated to his job. Reading the other posts humbles the soul and makes you appreciate what a great man he was. I sit here and wonder what I missed in never meeting him? Words cannot express what the family has to endure during this time. I can only hope you find comfort in the following:
A Life Well Lived.... Lasts Forever!!
Kent Grose - SA Alliance Member Kinsale, Ireland
David Burghardt
December 5, 2008
Steve and Family,
Our hearts go out to you in your time of grief. Your father truly represented the best of this nation, and epitomized the "right stuff" in every way. We know that his untimely departure makes the loss that much harder to bear. May God bless and keep you, and hold your father in His arms.
David, Lisa and Elaine Burghardt
John Sai
December 5, 2008
Jean and Family:
What a tremendous loss to all of us. He was the perfect friend and teammate. He epiitomized the person that we would all like our sons to grow up to be. Sugar was an essential cog in the great football team we had in "63 and we were all better for having him as our teammate.
John Sai '64
Navy team of '63
Larry Torgerson
December 3, 2008
We have lost one of the truly good guys. He will be missed.
Larry Torgerson USNA-67
Rich Reinheimer
December 3, 2008
Jean & Family,
Sonja and I are so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. It was such a pleasure to have been a squadron mate in VF 32. We hope that all your wonderful memories of him will help you through this difficult time.
"Beef" and Sonja Reinheimer
Patty Pekins
December 3, 2008
Jean, My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.
Patty Hamilton Pekins
Steve Moore
December 3, 2008
From where I stood on the football field (defensive safety), I could recognize Sugar coming or going. We will always love and have profound respect for this gentle man. Once again he and Soupy are sharing a tight-end set. Our prayers are with Dave and his wonderful Family. We miss him.
Dan Hobbick
December 2, 2008
I remember David as the great basketball player he was in high school! We will all miss him.
Dan Hobbick class of 60 MHS
RON BUSCHBOM
December 2, 2008
I remember Dave as a team mate at Navy. He was part of a great team and a great combination with the other end Jim Cambell. Dave helped Roger Staubach become a Heisman Trophy winner by catching the passes Roger threw. Always the gentleman, his careers are inspirational.
Ron Buschbom, class of 66
William and Ruby Barg
December 2, 2008
Our sincere condolences to all of you. I was with Dave in VFP-63 and on Det. 14 on the Ticonderoga. He contributed so much to the squadron and was such a great all around person. I consider it my good fortune to have known him. May God hold you close and give you the peace and comfort only He can.
William G. Barg, Jr. (CPO, Ret.)
Jim Cannon
December 2, 2008
Jean, Steve, and Mike, I was Sugar's RIO in the Tomcat. On 26 Feb 75, we launched NAS Oceana to USS JFK for initial night carrier qualifications. Flight of 4 with CO Knutsen as lead. In brief, Skipper mentioned he would like to be 1st AIRLANT qualed F-14 pilot. After 5 traps with 1 to go. Dave in BUNO #159010 was in trail of the boss, who had 5 also). Skip got waved off foul deck and Sugar flew a "rails" pass to get his 6th.....When I mentioned his achievement, the BIG GUY laughed and said, "Boom, I didn't want to worry you, but being a Photo F-8 guy, I hadn't night CQ'd in 10 years". Dave was the greatest friend and mentor a young JO could have. I treasure all the memories of this suberb man. Dave and all the family are in Pat's and my prayers, most respectfully,
Bettie & Klaas van Esselstyn
December 2, 2008
Good-bye Dave Sjuggerud,
Our very dear friend.
We met you in the 70's
And loved you 'till the end.
We've seen you off and on
Throughout your career
And watched your children grow
For the last 38 years.
When we shared Christmas in 2006
You seemed to be fine.
Little did we know that
We'd seen you for the very last time.
You will be greatly missed
Now that you are gone.
We have nighttime in our hearts
But just ahead lies the dawn.
Tribulation, grief, and sorrow
Are but heaven's stepping stones
To a bright and glad tomorrow
Where no heartaches can be known.
Marv Krupp
December 2, 2008
Whether in the fleet or around Pax R, you could always see Dave coming...big guy, big smile. Fair winds and following seas, friend.
Marv "Kraut" Krupp TPS 69, CO VF-142
Jim Freeman
December 2, 2008
Jean and family,
Always a laugh and a smile and he called me the
"old ranger" and wanted me to spin him another yarn. Lots of laughs with Sug and lots of football.
So sad to lose a teammate after a gutsy struggle to lose that weight and get fit again. He was a jewel. With deepfelt regrets, Jim Freeman, Denison, Texas
Amy Graham Halstead
December 2, 2008
Although I never had the privilege of meeting Dave, I can tell from just reading about him, what an amazing man he was. I can only imagine how he must have touched the lives of so many others throughout his long career, and fun filled life.
My heart goes out to everyone left behind.
God always picks the most beautiful flowers for his bouquet...
Warm Regards,
Amy Graham Halstead
Charles Durepo
December 2, 2008
Jean,
It was wonderful to spend time with you and Sugar
last year. He was doing so well in his recovery from his heart problem. To hear his laugh, which is like no other, was great relief for my worries about this larger than life friend and teamate. We all loved Dave and were so glad to see him at our reunion in South Carolina. Shelly and I feel so sorry for your loss.
Teamate Forever
Robert Sutton
December 1, 2008
Jean;
Dave was such a great teammate and classmate and, even though we normally only saw each other at "Team of '63" gatherings or Class of '64 reunions, there was just as strong a bond as there was at the Academy. He could 'light up a room" with his presence and, though we did not cross paths very often in our naval careers, I did get a chance to work with him briefly in Orlando on some training issues. I treasure the memories of the time we were teammates and classmates.
My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family on the sudden and tragic loss of Dave.
Sincerely,
Bob Sutton
Dennis DuBois
December 1, 2008
As an Ensign in VF-32, Dave launched my naval career. He provided an example of leadership and courage that serve me today. I was truely blessed to have such inspirational leadership. Marla and my prayers are with Jean and the Sjuggerud family.
Denny and Marla DuBois
Dick Curley
December 1, 2008
Jean,
Having been a company mate and teammate of Dave I can truly attest to what a wonderful person he was. He will be sorely missed. Dave always had a great sense of humor and genuine concern for others. Peggy and I were shocked to learn of Dave's accident and your loss. Our prayers are with you.
Dick and Peggy Curley
Carolyn Reynolds
December 1, 2008
May God rest David's soul in enternal peace. Carolyn F. Reynolds, Widow , Thomas D. Reynolds, VMCJ-l
Fonda Roberts Mears
December 1, 2008
I did not have the privilege of meeting Dave, but I wish to extend to Jean and the family my heartfelt sympathies. I went to high school with Jean. Jean I am so glad we had the opportunity to chat recently.
Judy Nelson
December 1, 2008
We miss this wonderful friend. So glad that we recently spent time with Dave and Jean in Menomonie. Great memories of great friends.
Ralph and Judy Nelson
Bob Edge
December 1, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Dave for many years while working for various defense contractors. He was always friendly and a nice person to know. He will be missed in the Modeling and Simulation community here in Orlando. I will pass on his passing to other people that may have known Dave. Respectfully, Bob Edge, General Dynamics C4S
Judy Adamkiewicz
December 1, 2008
Dave will be missed so much in the central Florida area. He is an honorary member of the Class of '61 from Boone High School, many of whom have enjoyed his hospitality.
Our prayers and thoughts to Jean, Steve, and Mike.
Gary and Judy Adamkiewicz
Chris Kolos
December 1, 2008
Mike, please accept my condolences on the loss of your Dad.
He was truly a remarkable man.
Peter Goetz
December 1, 2008
Jean, Steve, Mike,
All our love and heartfelt sympathy, we remember Dave as a friend and neighbor. I don't have the words to express how much this shocked and saddened us.
Semper Fi!
Peter, Rae, Tolan & Kylie
Ken Jack
December 1, 2008
I have posted a memorial to a former squadron member on our website: www.vfp62.com/memoriam.html .
With our condolences,
Ken Jack, webmaster
www.vfp62.com
Buddy Barnes
December 1, 2008
You have my greatest heartfelt empathy. Buddy Barnes, USNA'67
Below, an e-mail that I submitted to the Class of '67 (Dave's Plebe Class) Chatboard.
Subject: [F8U] #2365 Last Charlie Dave Sjuggerud
Not being an F-8 driver and not a member of the Crusader Association, I may be taking some license here that is not mine to take, but as we approach Army game next week I'm reminded of the Navy Team our plebe year, Many of those games were hard to forget, and many were the work of some fine hands to catch the well throw Staubach passes. One of my plebe year roommates was Dick Badger, whose older brother Reed was in '64 (23rd Company). His roommate was Jimmy Campbell. It was a little relief for us to hide in their room. For me, number's 88 (Jimmy Campbell) and 81 (Dave Sjuggerud) were like an inseparable pair on the gridiron. When we played Pitt for HC this year I was reflecting on the game against them following the Navy loss to SMU the week before. As I recall Staubach threw eight consecutive (or it sure seemed like it) passes, back and forth to Campbell and Sjuggerud on Navy's first possession. The Brigade stood up the whole game. It was one of the best executed games ever. Navy had dropped to 11th in the ratings following the SMU loss and Pitt was rated 7th. There seemed something magic in numbers 81 & 88. What a great team, what great players. Buddy
Carl McCullough
November 30, 2008
I echo the sentiments of those who knew Dave personally and professionally. I admired his feats on the "fields of friendly strife" with Navy football, and came to know him as an exceptional officer and friend at NAVAIR many years later. We'll all miss him, and ask for God's blessings for his family.
Mike Scott
November 30, 2008
My condolences and best wishes to all Sjuggeruds everywhere...until last year, I was always proud to say I was at Navy the last time Navy beat Notre Dame...Dave helped us do that! As a Naval Aviator and fighter pilot, he will always be remembered. Throw a nickel on the grass....Red Scott '65
Bonnie Nelson
November 30, 2008
I was fortunate enough to have met Dave and Jean in Menomonie when they listed their lake house for sale through me. They immediately felt like long-time friends. That's the kind of people they are! My condolences and lots of prayers go out to the family. Dave' s big smile and friendly ways will be greatly missed!
Dave Cotts
November 30, 2008
Dave was all of that and more....this from a West Point grad who also graduated from MHS and knew Dave and his family from the time they moved to Menomonie. Our lives were linked in many ways but I can only say that I was in awe of him and was so proud of our relationship. He was a type which they don't seem to make anymore, a scholar-athlete and gentleman to boot.
May God hold him family close and may they always be as proud of him as he was of them. Be though at peace, Dave
Chuck Scott
November 30, 2008
My Navy memories of Dave are all so good. He was a really big guy first of all. His heart and sense of humor were the biggest. We shared a ready room aboard the carrier. Those were the days of Charlie the not good enuff Tuna for Starkist so naturally he tagged me with the call sign "Tuna". He once had an F8 Crusader spring a hydraulic leak in the cockpit. The high pressure fluid became a thick vapor and Dave couldn't see to fly and was told to eject. He calmly blew the canopy, looked around the front windscreen and brought the Crusader back aboard ship thereby saving the taxpayers a lot of money. I mean a really big guy. My heart goes out to Jean and the rest of the family. May God be with you and comfort you with memories that wil let you smile as time goes on.
Red BEST
November 30, 2008
Spent many memorable times with Dave deployed...He was a true "Gentle Giant" with a big heart. Professional Naval Officer, exceptional carrier pilot and true gentleman. A great loss for us all.
May GOD hold Jean and family close and give them peace.
Bill Rice
November 30, 2008
Jean & I grew up on Delaney St and went to Boone together. On my trips back home,Dave was there with Jean at my mini-reunions with highschool friends. I remember his smile & laughter. "A big man with a bigger heart." May God bless the Sjuggerud family, my prayers are with you all.-Bill Rice, Charlotte, North Carolina
Kara Rogers
November 30, 2008
While I do not know the entire Sjuggerud family, I am friends with David's son, Mike, and I offer my deepest sympathies to the entire family. Rob's and my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mike Mazurczak
November 30, 2008
Dave was my Second Company Commander at Navy during my plebe year. What a great guy! He made plebe year much more bearable for all of the lowly plebes. He and his family are in my prayers.
David Tuma
November 30, 2008
Memories of Dave are many and remarkable. We are blessed to have known him and be classmates of his.
Terry Wilson
November 30, 2008
I knew Dave when he was our test pilot in the AMRAAM program at Eglin AFB Fl. My favorite memory was when he had to wear an Air Force uniform after AF beat Navy in football. Needless to say there were no AF guys his size yet he squeezed into a uniform and was a great sport all day.
Vicki and I will miss him.
Terry Wilson
One time Business Manager of Navy AMRAAM
Niceville Florida
Peter Adler
November 30, 2008
Dave was the quintisential renasisance man. With enormous accomplishments, skill, and intellect he still conducted himself as "every man."
My condolances to Jean, Steve, and Michael, all of whom were so fortunate to have a husband, father and grandfather of this stature.
Our thoughts and prayers are for Dave and his family
Peter Adler
Showing 1 - 45 of 45 results
Make a Donation
in David Sjuggerud's name
Memorial Events
for David Sjuggerud
How to support David's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor David Sjuggerud's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
