Douglas Hinahara, age 69, passed away peacefully at Agrace Hospice Care Center on the evening of Wednesday, October 14, 2026. At the end of July, Doug was diagnosed with brain cancer, and despite excellent medical care and intervention, the illness progressed rapidly.

Doug was born in Neenah, WI to his loving parents, Joan and Akira. He enjoyed growing up with his older brother, Jeff, and his younger brother, Paul. He was excited to move to Madison for college, where he attended UW-Madison, and later Madison Area Technical College, where he earned a degree in electronics engineering. His subsequent career in technology sales was a perfect fit for him because he absolutely loved traveling all around the world, making countless friends along the way.

Doug and Juelaine were so lucky to meet each other and find a deep and abiding love at such a young age. They married in 1978 and enjoyed 10 years together before having their wonderful daughters, Gabrielle and Natalie. Despite all of Doug’s travel, his priority was time with his family and he was extremely close with his girls. They both remember the long, nightly phone calls with Doug any time he was away.

Doug stayed just as close with his daughters as they grew up and his relationships with them were full of mutual respect, admiration, and fun. He was so happy for his daughters to find sweet and solid partners to share their lives with. When Gabrielle and Nate added Jasmine to our family, Doug fully embraced being her grandpa. Because she was in her teen years, he took the opportunity to share his love of music with her and even helped teach her to drive. He loved seeing her become a vibrant, young adult.

Doug retired in 2022 and greatly enjoyed even more time with friends and family: Travelling, hiking, making music, gardening, cooking, and golfing. A particular pleasure in his retirement was working part-time for three seasons at Pleasant View Golf Course, where he enjoyed endless golf and rich friendships. He was also part of a band, Señor Moment, that loved playing for the community at farmers markets and Make Music Madison. In the last couple of years, he and Juelaine found so much joy in making music together, too, with Doug singing and playing guitar and Juelaine playing piano.

He has far too many friends to list here because he was such a true friend: A caring listener, enthusiastic concert companion, generous host, reliable discoverer of the best restaurants, and ever calm presence. Doug was a great communicator who loved deep philosophical discussions and also delighted people with his quick wit and humor.

Doug and Juelaine celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary in May and savored every year together.

The family is planning a celebration of life to take place in the spring. For those who would like to contribute to a memorial, the family hopes to have a bench dedicated to Doug along a favorite walking path in Doug and Juelaine’s neighborhood.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761

Douglas Hinahara

April 17, 1957 - October 14, 2026

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