Laura A. Leak

Laura A. Leak, age 76, of Hastings, passed away on September 15, 2024 in Apple Valley.

Laura was a math teacher for 40 years, serving the majority of those at Hastings Senior High School. She was devoted to her profession, colleagues, and her students as she shared her love for math. During her time, she served as a Math Department Chair, created the Excel Program to recognize student academic achievement, chaired the school’s National Honor Society, coached the Math Team, and assisted with school-based support groups for students with chronic illnesses.

Laura was a long-time and active member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. Motivated by family battles with cancer, she co-founded the Hastings Relay for Life in 1994 to raise funds for the American Cancer Society, which lives on today.

Laura loved smiling and warm embraces, flowers and birds, reading under cozy blankets, her pretty, blue house in the countryside, inspiring music and The Hallmark Channel. But most of all, Laura loved people. She cherished and adored her family and, in her parting, leaves behind a legacy of love.

She is preceded in death by her parents, David and Ruth (Bentilla) Liimakka.

Laura is survived by her husband of 32 years, David; children, Melissa (Ryan) Schmisek, Andrea (Eric) Overgaard; grandchildren, Lily Schmisek, Kaelyn and Maryn Overgaard; sibling, Louise (Jim) Martell; brother-in-law, Jeff (Carla) Leak; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 400 W. 9th Street, Hastings with a visitation one hour prior to the time of the service. Burial will take place at Lakeside Cemetery, Hastings.

Memorials can be directed to the American Cancer Society, http://www.cancer.org.