Marilee J. Heydt

Marilee Dawn Heydt, 80, passed away peacefully on Sunday April 19, 2026. Marilee was preceded in death by her parents, Randolph and Betty Jensen, and her husband Leonard Heydt. Survivors include her sister Randi Jean Jensen, her brother Scott Jensen (Gaynel), her sisters-in-law Pamela Heydt and Marianne Heydt Bosco (Charlie). Other survivors include nieces Kelly Dawson, Ella and Maura Manley, Deidre Witan and nephews Matthew Jensen and Brandon Bosco.

Marilee was born in Iowa City, IA on May 14, 1945, and was the eldest of three children. The family moved to Pasadena, Texas in 1952 where Marilee attended elementary and high school. In 1962, the family moved to Louisville where Marilee completed her senior year at Eastern High School. She played clarinet in the Eastern High band along with her sister Randi Jean. She also participated in a student foreign exchange program where she lived with families in Germany and Mexico.

In 1967, Marliee graduated from Western Kentucky University with honors and was a member of the Delta Phi Alpha and Sigma Delta Pi honorary fraternities. A few months later, on September 9, 1967, Marilee married the love of her life Leonard Heydt. They were happily married for 53 years before his passing in 2020. Marilee was part of the Harrods Creek Fire Department family for decades as Leonard was the Fire Chief for 27 years starting in 1974.

Marilee was always generous and supportive of many charities including Crusade for Children, Children, Inc., and the Animal Care Society. Marilee and Leonard always had multiple cats in their household and loved them all dearly.

Marilee and her mom Betty Jensen were both members of the Red Hat Society and went to many of the organization’s events together. The group was a central part of their social connection.

There will be a celebration of life memorial reception on Saturday, May 9th at Arch L. Heady & Son Funeral Home (7410 Westport Rd.) from 2pm to 4 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to the Louisville chapter of animalcaresociety.org.