Richard Perzentka

Richard E. Perzentka, age 80, passed away on November 11, 2026 at Attic Angel Place in Middleton, WI. He was born on October 30, 1946 in Oshkosh WI to parents, Harold and Ethel (Vogt) Perzentka.

Richard was a member of the Randolph-Sheppard Business Enterprise Program for 49 years. For the first 23 years Richard managed several cafeterias in downtown Madison, including the Good Day Coffee shop, where he made many close friendships that would last for years. For the last 26 years of his career he managed the first rest area vending machine locations in the State of Wisconsin, along with other vending machines on the UW campus.  He was an avid Badger fan, having football, basketball, and hockey season tickets, along with making the trip out to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl in 1994.  Richard also loved to bowl, participating in many local leagues, and was the past president and tournament director of the American Blind Bowling Association. Richard dedicated his life to helping people and volunteered for various organizations doing advocacy work for the blind and serving on State and local boards, and volunteered in the Attic Angel community, even delivering his neighbors newspapers to their front door each morning.  

Richard is survived by his wife, Karen Perzentka; son, Brent Perzentka, daughter, Amy (Sean) Sundermann, former daughter-in-law, Blair Perzentka; grandchildren, Brooke Perzentka, Aedan and Casey Sundermann; siblings, Emery (Nancy) Perzentka, Jerry (Sue) Perzentka, Bruce Perzentka, Carol (Jim) Beckmann, Larry Perzentka, and brother-in-law, Jeff (Patty) Kannenberg.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter in infancy, April Joy, and a sister-in-law, Vicki Perzentka.

Special thanks to the wonderful staff at the Haven who cared for Richard the last two years of his life, especially Christian and Michael for their loving care. 

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 17, 2026 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 5701 Raymond Rd., Madison, WI. A visitation will take place on Monday, November 16 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Ryan Funeral Service & Legacy Center, 6728 Mader Dr., Madison, as well as one hour prior to the service, from 10:00-11:00 a.m., Tuesday at the church.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Attic Angels Association/Resident Aid Fund, and/or, the Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired. 

For more information or to leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Service & Legacy Center

6728 Mader Drive

608-274-1000