Marilyn L Deister

Marilyn L. Deister, 93, of Kansas City, MO passed away in her home on November 21, 2018 surrounded by her family. Marilyn was born on March 15, 1925 and went on to become a trailblazer for women's sports, beloved educator, and mentor to young athletes. She taught physical education in the Kansas City Missouri Public District and coached her school's basketball team. A lifeguard at Fairyland Park Pool and manager at Blue Hills Country Club where she coached both the racing and synchronized swimming team, as well as taught swimming lessons. Marilyn also coached synchronized swimming at the Red Bridge YMCA and Park Hill Aquatics Center. She received her Bachelor's degree from MU and her Master's degree from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. Marilyn was the longest standing coach of an athletics organization, coaching the Kansas City Sea Sprites for 67 consecutive years. Swimmers from the KC Sea Sprites even went on to the Olympics and win national championships. Coach Deister had a deep passion for sports and firmly believed all women should have access to synchronized swimming despite their ability to pay or transport themselves; often waiving fees for athletes as well as drive girls to practices and take them to swimming meets across the country. Marilyn won numerous prestigious awards, including being an honorary coach at the 2004 Athens Olympics, honored with the Buck O'Neil Legacy Seat, and the honored by WIN for KC with the UMB Lifetime Sportswoman Award presented by Jackie Joyner-Kersee. She was a fierce competitor, who was humble, resilient, strong, brave, and independent. Some of Marilyn's favorite things include Mizzou athletics, animals, chocolate, mermaids, and swimming. Marilyn will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and athlete.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Deister. She is survived by her daughter, Debbie DeVaul, her son-in-law, Jeff, her grandchildren Amanda (Jeff), Michael (Rikki), and Brett, her great-grandchildren Mallory, Oliver, Max, Sutton, and Caroline, and her nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 6:30 – 9 p.m. Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Rd., KCMO. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:30 a.m. Thursday, November 29, 2018 at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 3106 Flora Ave, Kansas City, MO; burial Mt. Moriah Cemetery.