Douglas Curtis Milsap, age 78, of Fitchburg, passed away on October 1, 2026, peacefully, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Doug was born in Madison to Jean and Douglas Milsap on August 10, 1948. He grew up in Shawano, Wisconsin, a place he enjoyed revisiting, before his family moved to Madison, where Doug graduated from Madison West High School, following which he attended he completed three degrees at UW–Platteville and UW–Madison (philosophy, psychology and ethics). He later earned his Master of Business Administration from UW–Whitewater.

As a young man, Doug served with Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA), and that spirit of service never left him. Returning to Madison, Doug was director of Vet’s House traveling throughout Wisconsin to support veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces particularly Vietnam vets. Following that, he served the State of Wisconsin as Director of the state's Electronic Monitoring Program, a role he filled with integrity and dedication.

In 1986, Doug married the love of his life, Lynnda Zibell. They recently celebrated their 40th anniversary this year. Doug was very proud of their son Alex’s accomplishments, including his medical career and particularly his commitment as a father. Above all, Doug treasured time with his three grandchildren. Just talking about them would bring a smile to his face.

Doug loved reading, having philosophical discussions and sharing insights, and going out to dinners with many treasured friends. He adored his dogs, Mickey, Maggie, and Eddie. Throughout his life Doug habitually went out of his way to help others and to comfort those in need. He was inclusive, welcoming, and the epitome of consideration for others.

Doug is survived by his wife, Lynnda Zibell Milsap; son, Alexander (Alyssa) Milsap MD; grandchildren, Brody, Addison, and Ella; his siblings, Jeffery (Randi) Milsap, Christine (Jeff) Bernards, Bradley Milsap, & in- laws, Steven Zibell, Gary Zibell ( Laura), Rhonda (Mark) Thompson, friend Gary Zmania, plus many nieces, nephews, and cherished friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Andrew; parents, and sister, Leslie Hustedt.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday October 15th at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church 401 S Owen Dr, Madison, WI 53711 with visitation from 10AM until the time of the 11AM Mass. An inurnment will follow at Deerfield Lutheran Cemetery at a later date.

The family wishes to thank Carbone Cancer Center and numerous UW Health professionals for their compassionate care of Doug.

Memorials may be made to Carbone Cancer Center & Dane County Humane Society.

He was a special person & will be dearly missed by all.

Please share your memories below in the online guestbook.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434