On April 24, 2026, Marilyn Leissinger passed from this life to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; she was 78.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Virginia Flakne. She is survived by her husband, Henry Leissinger; daughters Jo Wynot and Mary Leissinger; stepson Duane Leissinger; grandsons Nevan and Auden Wynot; step‑grandson Eric Leissinger; sisters Dianne Romain, Nancy Bentley, Sylvia Bronner, and Theresa Albrecht; brothers Larry and Jerry Flakne; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A native of Carrollton, MO, and a resident of Metairie, LA for 57 years, Marilyn lived a life marked by faith, service, and love. After graduating from Concordia Teachers College in Seward, Nebraska, she accepted a call to teach at Atonement Lutheran School in Metairie, LA. After a brief (14-year) interlude with State Farm Insurance, she earned a master’s degree in early childhood education and returned to teaching at Faith Lutheran School. Teaching was not simply her profession — it was her calling. With a servant’s heart, she poured her energy, patience, and love into the children she served, especially her preschoolers. She delighted in sharing her love of children’s literature, cooking, music, and above all, the love of Christ. Marilyn ultimately added the role of Principal to her duties and helped shepherd the school through many challenges, including Hurricane Katrina.

Active throughout her life, Marilyn loved the outdoors and found joy in being active. Swimming was a lifelong passion — from childhood days at the Carrollton pool, to swimming in college, to participating in the 2014 Louisiana Senior Olympic Games. She also enjoyed tennis and walking, always happiest when she could be outside. Like her mother, she cherished wildflowers and captured countless photos of them wherever she traveled.

One of Marilyn’s greatest adventures was the hobby she shared with her husband, Henry: geocaching. Together, as “Team Bamboozle,” they became beloved figures in the geocaching community. Their multi‑decade adventures took them across the United States and even to Europe — through swamps, deserts, rural towns, big cities, and every kind of landscape in between. Marilyn was equally content socializing with fellow cachers or trekking deep into the brush in search of elusive treasures, undeterred by snakes, spiders, or any obstacle in her path. The joy they brought to others through this shared passion is part of their enduring legacy.

Above all, Marilyn found her greatest happiness in being surrounded by family. She treasured time spent with her husband and daughters in the routines of daily life, adored every moment with her grandsons, and cherished gatherings with the Flakne family — especially Christmas celebrations and her beloved Sister Trips. Her presence made ordinary moments feel warm and full of love.

She will be dearly missed by her family and friends, but it was her expressed desire to go home to be with her Lord.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Radio Missions, P.O. Box 1810, Walker, LA 70785.

Hartman Hughes Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Funeral services will be private. Interment will be in Tylertown, MS. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.hartmanhughesfuneralhome.com.