Leslie Ellen Gegel

Leslie Ellen Gegel, 60, of Columbus, OH, passed away on December 18, 2025 at Kobacker House after a valiant battle with breast cancer. She was born on December 14, 1965 to Linda (Jay Rowley) and Gerald (Joyce) Gegel. She was preceded in death by her mother Linda and half-brother, Daniel Wargo. Surviving her are her daughter Michelle Burlingame (Eric Kruger) of Cleveland, OH, father Gerald (Joyce) Gegel, step-father Jay Rowley, her brother Larry (Elaine) Gegel, half-siblings David Wargo and Anne (Chuck) Persun, step-siblings, nieces and nephews, her beloved pets, and many friends. Leslie was a great friend to all, a lover of animals, music, reading, and art. She had a strong sense for justice, and always stood up for what was right. She loved being a teacher, and cared deeply for all of her students. She was a teacher of almost 30 years, with the past 21 of those years at North Linden Elementary School in Columbus, OH. A memorial service will be held at Shaw-Davis Funeral Home (Clintonville - 4341 North High St, Columbus, OH 43214) on Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 4-6 PM, followed by an open forum and celebration of life with drinks and hors d'oeuvres at Bleu & Fig from 6-8 PM (4622 North High St - adults only please).