Roger Duane Perkins
April 13, 1940 - January 29, 2026
Obituary
FITCHBURG - Roger Duane Perkins, age 85, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Oak Park Place Nakoma. He was born on April 13, 1940, in Madison, Wis., the son of Chester Perkins and Caroline (Blumberg) Perkins.
Roger graduated from Madison West High School in 1958. He was united in marriage to Barbara (Lowell) Perkins on July 22, 1961, at Bethany Evangelical Free Church in Madison and they shared 39 years of marriage until her death in July of 2000. He met Sandra Stephens in early 2002, and they were united in marriage on November 2, 2002, in Middleton.
In 1962, Roger began working at Perkins Oil, the family-run business in Madison. He led the company for 40 years as president. Roger dedicated many years building the business and developed many strong bonds with both employees and customers. He also served in the U.S. National Guard.
Roger was not only dedicated to the family business, but to his family as a whole, always wanting to be involved in his children's and grandchildren’s school, music, and sporting endeavors.
Roger enjoyed spending time outdoors in every season. He was an avid bicyclist and a longtime member of the Bombay Bicycle Club. He treasured the long rides through Wisconsin and the friendships he built with fellow riders. He also found joy in camping and skiing. He was a classic car enthusiast and loved to travel, especially with his bike.
Roger is survived by his wife, Sandra; children, Richard (Jeanne) Perkins, Debra (Richard) Chesky and Krista (Christopher) McPhee; grandchildren, Jacob (Nina) Chesky, Rachael (Jake) Vossen, Bethany (Owen) Beiler, Seth (Emily) Chesky and Jordyn McPhee; great-grandchildren, Simeon Chesky, Aria Vossen, Ella Vossen, Ruby Beiler and Lainey Beiler; brother, Vincent Perkins; nephew, Matthew Perkins; and niece, Anne Perkins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Caroline Perkins; first wife, Barbara Perkins; grandson, Michael Perkins; and sister-in-law, Connie Perkins.
A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2026. Roger will be laid to rest at Natural Path Sanctuary in Verona, Wis.
The family would like to thank the staff at Oak Park Place Nakoma and the staff at Agrace HospiceCare for the wonderful care and support he received.
Memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare or Bikes for Kids Wisconsin. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002
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