Paul ""Sparky"" B. Perlberg

Sparky passed away peacefully at home on December 17, 2010.  He fought liver cancer with a positive attitude and courage -- never missing a day without a joke and many smiles.  Sparky was born in Hales Corners, WI on March 3, 1945, to Paul F and Helen (Tenant) Perlberg.  He served in the Air Force and was a Vietnam Veteran.  He moved to Madison in 1969 and was a pioneer in the computer industry, retiring from the American Red Cross as the Director of IT in 2004.  

Sparky was married for nearly 40 years to Gayle and was very proud of his children, daughter Julie (Jim) Kazmierkoski of Eden Prairie, MN and son Paul (Jess) FochtPerlberg of Minneapolis, MN.  His was devoted to his precious granddaughters Mikayla, Sophia and Addison Kazmierkoski.   He was close with his sisters Nancy Thompson of Madison, Pat Greene of Franklin, WI, Marilyn (Dean) King of Muskego, WI and Barbara Loe of New Berlin, WI; many cousins, nieces and nephews.  He will be remembered and missed by all who knew him.  

One of his great joys was the time he spent as a swim official at the All-City Swim Meet, with the WIAA in the area high schools and at the NCAA Badger swim meets.  He loved and was greatly loved by the Madison swimming community.  He also loved spending time in the northwoods of Wisconsin at The Shack, hunting, ATV-ing and coordinating ""work weekends.""

Sparky's family would like to thank the doctors and staff at the Carbone Cancer Center especially Dr. Robert Hegeman.  He also received wonderful care from his Hospice team: Lindsey, Rebecca and Julie.

A Visitation will be held ad Cress Funeral Home, 6021 University Avenue, Madison on Monday, December 20, 2010 from 5-7pm.  A Memorial Service will be held at Midvale Community Lutheran Church, 4329 Tokay Blvd, Madison on Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at 11:00am; the family will greet guests beginning at 10am.

Sparky was a great friend and neighbor, and everyone always felt welcomed and special in his presence.  His motto was ""The more the merrier!""  Heaven has welcomed him Home and the Angels are eating well tonight -- Sparky's making his famous Fried Chicken!