In Memoriam: Longtime Red Bank Resident, Holy Cross, RBC Grad, Jeri Held, 81

Longtime Red Bank resident, Geraldine “Jeri” Kimmel Held, passed peacefully on Christmas Eve with her husband of 61 years, Gregory, and their children by her side.

“Jeri touched the lives of so many with her peaceful presence, beautiful smile, and sincere hugs … 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, acted as vacation bible school music leader, and sang with St. Anselm’s choir for over 30 years as well as various other choirs. Jeri’s interests included an annual retreat with friends at Weston Priory (VT) and teaching herself new skills including guitar, waterskiing, Photoshop, kayaking, cake decorating, upholstery, and pretty much anything she set her mind to.”
Loved ones of Jeri Held in her obituary

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.”

Born in Elmhurst, IL, the daughter of Lawrence and Florence Henningsen Kimmel, Jeri moved to New Jersey and attended Holy Cross School in Rumson before graduating from Red Bank Catholic High School (RBC).

For her senior prom, Jeri invited the boy who would become her husband. Before marrying, Jeri earned a legal secretary degree from Manor Junior College.

She is survived by: her husband, Greg; siblings, Tom Kimmel, of PA, and Margie Staples, of Chicago; 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; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved grand-dogs, Darvin, Maxx, and Roo.

Family and friends may visit on Tuesday, Dec. 30, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the St. Anselm’s Church Chapel, 1028 Wayside Road, Tinton Falls. A funeral mass will follow at noon 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, 806 Third Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712 (https://www.thecenterinap.org/).

— Edited obituary prepared by family via John E. Day Funeral Home