Geraldine K. “Jeri” Held née Kimmel, 81, of Red Bank, passed away peacefully Dec. 24, 2025, with her husband of 61 years, Gregory Held, and their children by her side.
Jeri was a beloved member of The Church of St. Anselm (Wayside), where her last activity was singing with the choir, a fitting preparation to meet God face-to-face in perfect knowledge.
Jeri was born in Elmhurst, Illinois, the daughter of Lawrence and Florence Kimmel née Henningsen. She moved to New Jersey and attended Holy Cross School in Rumson before graduating from Red Bank Catholic. Jeri invited the boy who would become her husband to her senior prom, but before marrying, she earned a degree in legal secretarial studies from Manor Junior College.
Jeri was an early participant in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal movement. In her adult life, music became her most cherished ministry – she recorded an album as a member of Joyful Spirit, served as a Vacation Bible School music leader and sang with St. Anselm’s choir for over 30 years, as well as with various other choirs.
Jeri’s interests included an annual retreat with friends at Weston Priory in Vermont and teaching herself new skills, including guitar, waterskiing, Photoshop, kayaking, cake decorating, upholstery and pretty much anything she set her mind to.
Jeri touched the lives of so many with her peaceful presence, beautiful smile and sincere hugs. She is survived by her husband, Greg, and siblings Tom Kimmel of Pennsylvania and Margie Staples of Chicago.
She leaves behind a legacy of faith and love that she instilled in her seven children (Areta Masters, Matthew Held, Jennifer Held, Clay Held and Genia Wilson, Norah Castillo, Luke and Tisha Held, and Steven Held), nine grandchildren (Gregory, Ericka, Timothy, Alexandra, David, Ian, Nathan, Naima and Langston, all of whom loved her sense of humor), and many nieces and nephews. Jeri also leaves behind beloved grand-dogs Darvin, Maxx and Roo.
Family and friends visited Dec. 30 at St. Anselm’s Church Chapel in Tinton Falls. A funeral Mass followed in the main church, followed by private cremation.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jeri’s memory to The Center in Asbury Park at thecenterinap.org.
The article originally appeared in the January 8 – 14, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
