Wayne & Susan Lettau

Wayne & Susan Lettau: A Lifelong Commitment to Motorcycling and Community

Wayne and Susan Lettau’s story is one of dedication, passion, and a shared love for the motorcycle community that has defined much of their adult lives. Their journey together began in high school when Wayne was a freshman and Susan a junior. Despite a rocky start, Wayne knew what he wanted and patiently worked to win her over. Four years later, after Wayne graduated and Susan finished college, they became a couple, setting the stage for a partnership that has endured for decades.

But Wayne’s love affair with motorcycles began long before he met Susan. At just nine years old, Wayne took his first ride on a motorcycle at his family’s ranch in South Dakota. The driveway stretched half a mile, but one trip to the mailbox and back was all it took for Wayne to get hooked. “I knew then and there that this was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” Wayne recalled. That early experience planted the seed for what would become a lifelong passion.

A Shared Path: From High School Sweethearts to Motorcycle Advocates

After getting married, Wayne and Susan moved a few times before settling down just outside of Sturgis, South Dakota—a town that holds a special place in every biker’s heart. Their involvement with the motorcycle community took off when their neighbors asked them to drive the crash truck for an ABATE Easter Seals Poker Run. The couple agreed and quickly fell in love with the camaraderie and spirit of the event. They even bought matching “MASH” shirts for the next run, endearing themselves to other participants.

Following the poker run, ABATE invited Wayne and Susan to join as members. Wayne won a poker hand among the event workers and used his prize money to buy memberships for himself and Susan. That was in 1996, and by 1997 Wayne had purchased his first street motorcycle and taken on his first leadership roles within the organization. He started as Chapter Products Manager, and by the end of the year, he had stepped into the role of Chapter Secretary. Susan quickly followed, becoming the Chapter Treasurer.

Advocating for Motorcyclists’ Rights

Wayne’s leadership journey with ABATE didn’t stop at the chapter level. By 1998, he was serving as both the Chapter and State Secretary, responsible for newsletters and membership outreach. His dedication stemmed from a deeply rooted belief that motorcycling needed protection from external forces that didn’t understand or respect the freedom it represented. Wayne saw himself as a “shepherd of motorcycling,” aiming not to change it but to safeguard it from those who would undermine its spirit.

Susan, equally committed, took on the roles of Treasurer, Membership Secretary, and Newsletter Editor. Her tireless work has continued through the years, making her an indispensable part of both their chapter and state ABATE. To this day, she juggles multiple roles, contributing to nearly every aspect of chapter and state operations.

A Brief Move to Washington State and an Unbroken Commitment

In 1999, Wayne’s job relocated the couple to Washington State. Despite the move, they remained active in ABATE, even continuing to produce their South Dakota chapter’s newsletter remotely. After a year, the Lettau family returned to Sturgis, rejoining the chapter and picking up right where they left off.

Back in South Dakota, Susan resumed her role as Treasurer in 2003 and began taking on even more responsibilities. Wayne, on the other hand, served as Chapter President, State Representative, and Products Manager. He became Co-Road Captain for the chapter, a position he still holds today. The couple’s willingness to adapt and take on new roles whenever needed has made them indispensable members of the motorcycle rights community.

The Heart of ABATE: Local and State Leadership

Over the years, Wayne and Susan’s contributions have extended far beyond their local chapter. Wayne has held multiple state-level positions, including Vice Coordinator, Secretary, and Legislative Officer. He has been a Board Member for his chapter for nine years and has chaired major events like the Whitewood Social Hour at the Sturgis Rally. Susan, meanwhile, took over as State Newsletter Editor in 2011 and continues to handle numerous chapter responsibilities.

Their dedication has been recognized multiple times. In 2006, Wayne and Susan received the first-ever ABATE of South Dakota Coordinator’s Award, which is given to someone who has gone above and beyond for the organization. The prestigious honor is similar to the MRF Farmers Award and is only bestowed on non-officers and non-board members. Wayne was also awarded the President’s Cup at the Meeting of the Minds in Denver, and both Wayne and Susan have been named Chapter Members of the Year multiple times.

A Legacy of Safety and Education

Safety has always been at the core of Wayne’s work with ABATE. For 19 years, he served as a Motorcycle Safety Instructor, teaching classes in Sturgis, Spearfish, and Rapid City. He was instrumental in scheduling and conducting classes, ensuring that riders in the region had access to high-quality safety training. His impact on motorcyclist safety is immeasurable, and his commitment to education remains a defining aspect of his legacy.

A Partnership in Advocacy and Family Values

Wayne and Susan’s parents raised them both to be good neighbors, instilling in them the importance of helping others. Whether it’s volunteering at events, stepping into leadership roles, or lending a hand wherever needed, they have lived by this philosophy throughout their lives. “That is all we have ever done,” Wayne humbly notes.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

For Wayne and Susan, motorcycling and ABATE are more than just hobbies—they’re a way of life. Through the highs and lows, the victories and challenges, they’ve remained steadfast advocates for motorcyclists’ rights and safety. Their involvement has shaped the course of ABATE in South Dakota and left a lasting mark on every organization they’ve been part of.

Today, they continue to work tirelessly for the cause they love. Wayne serves as the State Legislative Officer, chairs Legislative Days at the state capitol, and represents ABATE’s interests in the political arena. Susan continues to manage the chapter’s finances, membership, and newsletters while organizing the Silent Auction at Legislative Days.

For the Lettau family, the road never ends. The friends they’ve made, the battles they’ve fought, and the causes they’ve championed have made their lives incredibly rewarding. “We can’t imagine living any other way,” they say. And for those who have had the privilege of knowing and working with them, it’s clear: Wayne and Susan Lettau are more than just advocates—they are the heart and soul of the motorcycling community in South Dakota and beyond.