Dennis “Denny” Stannard, 82, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026, at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital, surrounded by the love of his family.

Dennis was born on December 25, 1943, in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, to Arthur and Louise Stannard. From an early age, he stood out for his athletic ability and competitive spirit. A proud graduate of Fort Atkinson High School, Dennis distinguished himself as an exceptional athlete. He was a three-year letter winner in basketball, earned multiple all-conference honors, led the Badger Conference in scoring in 1961 and 1962, and was named Boys Basketball MVP and Athlete of the Year in 1962. He also lettered in cross country and was a four-year letter winner in baseball. His achievements later earned him a place on the Fort Atkinson Wall of Fame.

Dennis continued his athletic career at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, where he was a three-year starter for both the baseball and basketball teams. In baseball, he was named Rookie of the Year in 1964 and finished with an impressive .404 batting average.

On January 20, 1968, Dennis married his high school sweetheart, Betsy Ross. Together, they built a life centered on family, friendship, and community, raising their daughters, Stephanie and Carrie, in Onalaska’s Mayfair Addition. Their home was a gathering place where memories were made through neighborhood ball games, garage potlucks, New Year’s Eve progressive parties, and long days spent outside. Dennis especially loved his backyard, where numerous apple trees offered shade and adventure, and where his daughters and their friends climbed among the branches and ate apples straight from the tree. He may have even noticed a few of those apples being launched by neighborhood kids in harmless pranks and hijinks along the way.

This strong sense of community extended to Dennis’s professional life, which he dedicated to education. He earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse and later an Education Specialist degree in counseling from Northern Arizona University. He spent his career at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse Admissions Office, serving as a high school recruiter, assistant director, and eventually director of transfer admissions. From 1967 until his retirement in 2000, Dennis was a passionate advocate for the university and its students, helping open doors to higher education and making a lasting difference in many lives.

Athletics remained one of Dennis’s great joys throughout his life. Always ready to “shoot some buckets,” he played basketball with friends and neighborhood kids, often giving a short whistle as he shot the ball, then watching it fall cleanly through the net. He was also a lifelong member of the YMCA and the River City Racquet Club, where he lifted weights and played racquetball, eventually becoming the city champion. The bruises he sometimes carried—perfectly round, deep purple, and the size of a racquetball—were worn almost like badges of honor, small reminders of the toughness, competitiveness, and pride he brought to the sports he loved.

Just as he thrived on the court, biking and hiking were lifelong passions for Dennis. He logged countless miles riding to the YMCA, carrying his daughters on his back in a Gerry carrier, commuting to work, and biking the trail to Trempealeau.  He loved hiking Hixon Forest and Brady’s Bluff, and a trek into and out of the Grand Canyon tightened family bonds.

Dennis will also be remembered for his incredible sense of humor and wit, which he brought to every aspect of his life—whether at home, with friends, or out in the community. He always had a new joke ready and delighted in making people laugh, often using props—fake teeth, funny glasses, or whatever else might help deliver the punchline. His playfulness, timing, and joy left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Above all, Dennis will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He had a gift for encouragement and a steady way of making people feel seen, supported, and welcome. He loved sports, family gatherings, laughter, and the simple joy of being surrounded by the people he loved.

Dennis is survived by his daughter, Carrie (Steve) Markos; five cherished grandchildren, Mathea Stannard Bruns, Camryn Stannard Bruns, Julian Stannard Bruns, Aidenn Marie Markos, and Evan Garrett Markos; his sisters, Yvonne Carl and Patty Aspinwall; nieces Jane (Darcy) Gravelle, Anissa (Ryan) Campbell, and Sarah (Avel) Fuentes; and nephews Dennis May and Jason (Sunitha) Aspinwall.

He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Stephanie Anne Stannard.

A church burial service will be held on June 10, 2026, at English Lutheran Church. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m.

A celebration of Dennis’s life will be held immediately afterward at The Hatchery, 410 E. Veterans Memorial Drive, La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Whether on a bike, on a ball field, at the racquetball court, at work, or cheering from the sidelines, Dennis brought enthusiasm, encouragement, humor, and love to the people around him. His legacy lives on in the many lives he encouraged, coached, and loved.

Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.