Charles “Chuck” Landau

Charles “Chuck” Eugene Landau 66, passed away on Monday June 9, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

A visitation will be held on Monday, June 16, 2025, from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at the Surf Ballroom & Museum, 460 North Shore Drive, Clear Lake.

A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday June 17, 2025, at the Surf Ballroom & Museum; with Pastor Jason Miller officiating. Burial will take place in Clear Lake Cemetery. The service will be recorded and placed on Chuck’s tribute page at www.colonialchapels.com. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed in care of the family.

Charles Eugene Landau was born on March 2, 1959, in Waterloo, Iowa, to Donald Charles and Donalee (Buchanan) Landau. He graduated in 1977 from Northern University High School in Cedar Falls. After high school, Chuck began working alongside his family in their well-known restaurant business, The Brown Bottle. On May 20, 1978, Chuck was united in marriage to Cindra Larsen. Together they had two sons, Michael and Blake.

Chuck was a true entrepreneur with a passion for the restaurant industry. In 1997, he launched his own venture, Starvin Marvin, which eventually evolved into Peeteza and later became the beloved Doughy Joey’s. At the same time, he operated Moosie’s Loose Meat and found great success in all his business endeavors.

On October 15, 1994, Chuck married Joanna Barlas at the Mason City Greek Orthodox Church. Together, they were blessed with two children, Gabriella and Henry. In 2010, Chuck and Joanna expanded the Doughy Joey’s to Cedar Falls, operating that location until its sale in 2020. That same year, they made their dream move to their forever home in Clear Lake, where Chuck quickly became part of the community he grew to

deeply love.

Chuck was full of life and passion. He was an avid Harley-Davidson rider and found joy in everything outdoors — kayaking, fly fishing, mountain biking, scuba diving, and boating. He loved cooking, especially for holidays and family dinners, and had a special appreciation for art, music, great food, his dogs, birds, and most of all, people. His warmth, generosity, and deep care for others were felt by everyone who knew him.

Chuck had an infectious smile that lit up the room. He loved hearing the stories of his customers and friends. Throughout the years, he mentored countless employees and customers—offering guidance not only in life’s journey but also in their faith. “Good friends, good food, and good wine—when they come together, your family.”

Faith was a cornerstone of Chuck’s life. He was a member Westminster Presbyterian Church in Waterloo, Prairie Lakes Church in Cedar Falls and most recently, Zion Lutheran Church in Clear Lake.

One of his favorite places was Sturgis, South Dakota, where he rode for over 30 years. Most recently, Clear Lake held a special place in his heart for the kindness and welcome shown by the community. Chuck’s legacy of love, laughter, faith, and community will live on through his family, his businesses, and the many lives he touched.