Jeri Held

Jeri Held (nee Geraldine K. Kimmel), 81, of Red Bank, NJ, passed peacefully on Christmas Eve 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.

Born in Elmhurst, IL, the daughter of Lawrence & Florence Kimmel (nee Henningsen), Jeri moved to NJ and attended Holy Cross School in Rumson before graduating from Red Bank Catholic HS. 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.

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.

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 PA 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 & Genia Wilson, Norah Castillo, Luke & 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 may visit on Tuesday, December 30th from 9:30am to 11:30am at the St. Anselm's Church Chapel, 1028 Wayside Road, Tinton Falls. Funeral Mass will follow at 12:00pm 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/)