Kathleen Leist

Kathleen Leist

May 17, 1951 - April 28, 2026

Obituary

OREGON - Kathleen Agnes Leist, age 74, of Oregon, passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. She was born on May 17, 1951, in Appleton, the daughter of Ronald and Germaine (McDermott) Leist.


Kathleen was known for her larger-than-life laugh, it was truly unforgettable and brought joy to those around her. She faced life with quiet strength and never felt sorry for herself. In her younger years, she especially cherished camping trips with “the crew,” creating memories that will be fondly remembered.


Kathleen is survived by her sister, Barbara (Patrick) Hensen; brother, Jon Leist; special cousin, Julia LeNoble; nephews, Dustin (Judi) Martinson, Damon Martinson, Jeff (Caroline) Hensen and Ronny (Sunni) Leist; niece, Katie Leist; and many special great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.


A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1150 Park St., Oregon, from 10 a.m. until 12 noon on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, with a luncheon to follow.
 

Memorials may be made to UW Foundation Pancreas Cancer Prevention.


AFTERGLOW

I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one.

I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.

I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,

Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.

I'd like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun;

Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.


Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson Oregon
Funeral & Cremation Care
1150 Park St.
(608) 835-3515




Events

06
Visitation
Wed May 6, 2026 @ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Oregon Funeral & Cremation Care • 1150 Park St., Oregon, WI 53575
06
Luncheon After Service
Wed May 6, 2026 @ 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Oregon Funeral & Cremation Care • 1150 Park St., Oregon, WI 53575
No photos of Kathleen have been shared yet.
AL
A Memorial Tree was planted for Kathleen Agnes Leist
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Oregon
V
Vickie
Other •
I will miss Kay every single day. Hugs to the family. Vickie 🥰
KK
Karen Krukenberg
Other •
My sympathies to the Leist family. Kay was always upbeat, smiling & had a great laugh. I met Kay when we worked in the DOT computer room many years ago. I have so many great memories of our times together through the years. One of my favorite memories is the time staff could dress up for Halloween. Kay came to work dressed as Raggedy Ann. Hilarious! She said she got a lot of looks from drivers on the Beltline that morning. Kay will be truly missed; especially as one of our “Old Bags” group ladies.
J
James
Other •
I did not know Kay personally, but worked at the Pizza Hut in Oregon for a few years. She was one of my favorite regular customers, always kind, smiling, upbeat, and had a way of brightening our team on even the most hectic days. My sympathy to the family for the loss of such a wonderful person.
KT
Kerry Thibodeaux
Other •
Thank you Kay for all you did for me and Katy

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