Kenneth A. Penzkover

Kenneth Austin Penzkover of Madison, Wisconsin, age 32, passed away on May 1, 2025. He was born in Appleton and was homeschooled through high school by his mother, Angie. Ken graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the Universityof Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2015 and studied elementary and special education at the University of Iowa. He spent most of his career helping others, working and forming lifelong bonds with people of all ages with disabilities.

Ken was known for his extraordinary kindness and compassion for others. To be known by Ken was to be loved by him. He always remembered someone’s favorite things and didn’t mind hearing all about them. He knew exactly how to make you smile, with a quick, intelligent humor full of inside jokes tailored just for you. He had a special place in each person’s heart and a connection that is irreplaceable.

He had a love of all animals (except bees and wasps); he was a dedicated vegetarian (later vegan) for most of his life, and the favorite human of many childhood pets. In addition to having fostered kittens and volunteered at animal shelters, Ken was father to the happiest, most spoiled cat in existence, Princess Sparkle.

Ken had a strong belief in justice and human rights; he was an unwavering advocate for those who are less fortunate or discriminated against, and a proponent of equality, freedom of speech, and workers’ rights. He was whip-smart, an expert in geography, history, and quite a few fantasy and science fiction book series. He was a board game master, learning hundreds of games (playing some so expertly that he had to come up with his own achievements to keep things interesting) and even creating some of his own. He was also an avid reader, a talented comedic actor, a horror movie buff, and a fantastic Dungeons & Dragons player. Ken loved a good margarita, preferably sipped while listening to his favorite pop diva, Taylor Swift.

Ken was the oldest child of Angie and Mark Penzkover of Mukwonago, who will forever love him and be so proud of the person he was. He was also the cherished and amazing older brother of Holly Penzkover of Reedsburg, Madison Penzkover of Waukesha, and Lauren Penzkover (Tim Wollert) of Mukwonago. He was beloved by numerous cousins, aunts, and uncles. Ken will be missed greatly, but will never be forgotten.

A private family Celebration of Life will be held this summer to honor this one-of-a-kind person who touched so many lives.

In lieu of flowers or gifts to the Penzkover Family, we ask you to make a donation in Ken’s memory to the New Harvest Foundation of Madison https://www.newharvestfoundation.org/.