Dennis Donald Standard
Born: March 7th, 1952
Died: January 21st, 2017
Obituary
Dennis Donald Standard, 64, of Burlington, died at 4:47 AM Saturday, January 21, 2017, at the Great River Hospice House.
Born March 7, 1952, in Burlington, he was the son of James William Sr. and Dorothy Stadtlander Standard. On October 5, 1986, he married Karla Renee Duke in Burlington.
From a very early age, Dennis's life was deeply intertwined with Burlington and its people. He was just 13 when his enthusiasm and capacity for hard work convinced the management of the popular Arion Restaurant to hire him as their youngest bus boy and dishwasher. From that opportunity grew a fascination with the food industry and a love of serving people.
By 1973, Dennis was employed at the Pzazz Restaurant and in 1986 he moved into restaurant ownership when he and Karla opened the river front's iconic Big Muddy's.
While management of the Burlington landmark eatery demanded a great deal of Dennis's time and energy, he never forgot the most important things in his life were his family and friends. He considered himself fortunate to be able to work closely with Karla in running Big Muddy's and their ability to team together through both business challenges and natural disasters impressed the community.
Dennis remained throughout his life a generous and giving person and the time he spent with his grandchildren was especially precious to him. His love of family, boating, travel, and his dog, Duke, insured that Dennis was able to enjoy life to the fullest and his quick wit and sense of humor made him a welcome companion. Dennis was quick to share an opinion but readily accepted differing points of view and many considered him a friend. He gave willingly and freely of his time and resources to many community organizations. He provided support to friends in need and when the occasion demanded, he was known to offer a splash of Yukon Jack. He was, to the end, a Burlington original.
Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Allisha (Kyle) Kniffen of Cedar Rapids, and Natalie (Kevin) Reinhart of Burlington; two granddaughters, Braelyn Renee Reinhart, Alivia Renee Kniffen, and one granddaughter on the way; three brothers, Jim Standard, Tim Standard, and Steve Standard all of Burlington; two sisters, Pat Schreiner of Burlington, and Betty (Dean) Weinreich of Lomax, IL; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James & Dorothy Standard Sr., his father-in-law, Lamonte Duke, three sisters-in-law, Deb McDaniel, Melissa Standard and Lisa Duke, one brother-in-law, Jim Schreiner.
Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM with the family to receive friends from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM Saturday, January 28, 2017, at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home. Cremation will be entrusted to the care of Prugh~Thielen Crematory following the visitation.
The Dennis Standard Celebration of Life Benefit will be held on Sunday, January 29, 2017 from 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM at the Comfort Inn & Suites, Burlington.
The Memorial Service for Mr. Standard will be 10:00 AM Monday, January 30, 2017, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Very Rev. Father Marty Goetz & Andy Avery officiating. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. A time of food and fellowship will be held at Big Muddy's following the burial.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for his grandchildren's education.