Gene McKinstry

Gene McKinstry

December 20, 1945 - August 23, 2025

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Obituary

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and dear friend passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at his home. He was 79 years old. Gene Ralph McKinstry was born on December 20, 1945, in Saginaw, Michigan to the late Harold T. and Grace (Maxwell) McKinstry. He attended Arthur Hill High School. Gene proudly served as a Sergeant and a ham radio operator with the United States Army. When he returned to Saginaw, Gene started working at General Motors, Grey Iron for 42 years, retiring in 2008. He met Faith “Faye” Anne Dukas through a mutual friend, then their relationship grew, and they were married on July 13, 1977. He loved to fish, deer hunt, watch Michigan Football, Detroit Tigers Baseball and the Detroit Lions. Gene and Faye spent about 10 years enjoying Lakeland, Florida. He will forever be remembered as “Pops”, his love for animals, his quick wit, love of boating and spending time with his family.

Gene will be deeply missed by his wife, Faye; children: Timothy (Deborah) McKinstry, Jeffrey (Traci) McKinstry; Heather (Paul) Bruci, Kristopher McKinstry and Gene Jr. (Kelly) McKinstry; grandchildren: Caleb Gross, Chelsea McKinstry, Tyler McKinstry and Kaden Radka; brother-in-law, Kyle Muscott; many nieces, nephews, extended family, dear friends and his furry companions: Tigger, Buffy, Scruffy, Harold, Grace, Poochie and many grand-pups.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, William (Pat) McKinstry; Keith (Mary) McKinstry; sisters, Diane (Robert) Pattison, Joyce (Clarence) Dupuis and June Muscott.

FUNERAL: A funeral service for Gene will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, August 29, 2025 at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd., Saginaw, MI 48603. Pastor Jay Roussel will officiate.

Burial and Military Honors under the auspices of the United States Army will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens.

VISITATION: The family will receive friends at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd., on Thursday, August 28 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Friday at the funeral home from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service.

MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to Amazing Grace Animal Rescue. Please share your thoughts and memory with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com

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AS
A Memorial Tree was planted for Gene McKinstry Sr.
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Deisler Funeral Home
WS
With love and support, your MDOC INTEL Team. planted a tree in memory of Gene McKinstry Sr.
Other •
With heartfelt sympathy, We are deeply sorry for your loss. Please know that your team is thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
WT
With love and support, your MDOC INTEL Team.
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With heartfelt sympathy, We are deeply sorry for your loss. Please know that your team is thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
CB
Cheryl Bray
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My deepest sympathy to Faye and all the family. Gene was a great man and a great friend! Oh the fun we had…the memories we all made together! I’m glad to have been a friend of Gene’s (and Faye)! I will forever hear his giggle!! Thanks for the great memories my friend…cheers~until we meet again
JL
Julia S LaMear
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Gene was always a Great Brother-in-law, tender hearting, loving and so funny! What I remember most is he was so sweet to both my children (his niece and nephew) Ashley and Andrew …May God Bless Him and His Family!
KG
Kyle, Amanda and The Girls
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"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit" - Psalm 34:18We are so sorry for your loss Mckinstry Family.

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