Frankie Mills Leisering, born December 9, 1937, in Wharton, Texas, to Fred Franklin Mills and Odessa Ford Copeland Mills, died on August 29, 2026, in Madison, Wisconsin. She is predeceased by her parents and her husband of 41 years George William Leisering. She is survived by their daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughters–Libby, Kip, Natalie, and Erika Schick; the best sisters anywhere, Shirley Wheeler (widow of Cal) and Letha (Anthony) Petrash; nieces April Petrash (J.P.) Goldman and Julie Petrash Pinchak (Trey) Munn; great-nieces, Cami Goldman (Hunter) Goyen, Emilia Pinchak, and Anysia Pinchak; great-nephew, Gage Goldman; and great-great niece, Seager Goyen. From a wealth of 22 first cousins, two survive her.

On her husband’s side, she leaves four stepchildren, John (Paula) Leisering, Bill (Kim Peterson) Leisering, Philip (Jan Koederitz) Leisering, and Joan (Kurt) Wade; eight step-grandchildren, and six step-great-grandchildren.

She had several special friends: Glenda and Kathryn (Wharton Public Schools); Jo Ann at Girls State 1955 and onward; Alice, Weezie, and Norma in her single days and forever; and Barbara, Becky, and Liz at Pines Presbyterian Church and beyond! These friends were fun and supportive–the best a gal could have!

Frankie achieved high honors at all levels of her schooling, culminating in a Business Education degree from the University of Texas in 1960. She then concentrated much of her volunteer work in public school libraries, including every K-12 school Libby attended as well as later in a school where Libby was teaching. She also served as the Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM) Resale Shop “book lady” for many years.

Other volunteer interests of Frankie’s were in keeping with her educational background and brief career with Humble Oil & Refining Company (forerunner of ExxonMobil), where she was an executive secretary (and Certified Professional Secretary), until George was transferred overseas. She later served as volunteer secretary to many groups: Pines Presbyterian Church (Clerk of Session); MAM Board; ExxonMobil Retiree Club; and almost every committee of which she was ever a member. She could still write shorthand up to the day she died.

She loved music–church music in particular. It brought her joy to sing in the Pines choir during the 42 years of her membership there.

Frankie wrote her obituary, but she left out a few important things. Frankie is remembered for the love and support she gave to everyone in her life and the positive impact she had on others. She loved her family and friends deeply, and everywhere she went she made new friends. She worried about all of us all the time because she hated for anyone to experience stress, grief, or pain.

A memorial service will be held on November 21, 2026, at 11:00am, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 326 South Segoe Road, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, with the Reverend Dr. Charlie Berthoud officiating and the Reverend Barbara Retzloff assisting. A visitation will be held at 10:00am, with a reception to follow the service. Wear any shade of blue if you’d like! If you wish to make a contribution in Frankie’s memory, please consider a charity of your choosing.

Please share your memories of Frankie by posting in her guestbook

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434