Geraldine Kelly

Geraldine “Gerry” Kirchman (Harvey) Kelly passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.  Born April 14, 1927, to Ignatius Kirchman and Geraldine (Lynch), Gerry grew up in Bay City on Center Avenue.  She married Albert Sargent “Sarge” Harvey II, of Saginaw in 1952, owner of Sarge Harvey Ford.  They were divorced in 1977.  She married Joseph “Joe” P. Kelly in 1982 until his death in 2016. She and Joe spent time between Saginaw, Point Lookout, MI and Tarpon Springs, FL, with their combined “Har-Kell” family.

She is survived by her four children, Albert Sargent Harvey III (Renee), Geraldine Wickes Kelly (Tim), Willam Lynch Harvey (Sue), and John Hamilton Harvey (Dana); stepchildren, Christy Bentgen (Barney), Jerome Kelly (Mary), Colleen Sanders (Rick), Thomas Kelly (Gregory), and William Kelly; grandchildren, Amanda Harvey Piazzon (Gary), Sean Sargent Kelly (Pau), Albert Sargent Harvey IV (Alexandra), and Willam Stone Kelly (Gina); step grandchildren, Becky Lea (Dave), Jim Braun, Bianca Alfano, Patrick Kelly (Tori), Ian Sanders (Tiffany), Hadley Bentgen, Nicholas Bentgen (Lisa), Brian Sanders, Molly Bugay (Corey), Michael Kelly, Daniel Kelly, Kevin Sanders (Erin); and 17 great grandchildren. We should also include 13 dogs and 6 cats.

In her life, the top priority was always family. Any visit makes a great day. Gerry earned her PhD living in a social and joyful world. She demonstrated this through her thesis; Pop-ins are always an unexpected gift, there can never be too many people at the dinner table, hors d’oeuvres at the ready with Bourbon and bitters in stock (indeed she had that drink on her 99th  birthday), celebrate the accomplishments, and never forget those that are part of our past because there’s always a story that keeps them in our hearts. Parents should forever be present in your heart and conversation. This greatest generation has officially ended for this family, and our training wheels are off. Let’s perpetuate what Mom/Gerry has taught us and carry on these precious virtues. We love you Mom/Gerry.

Visitation will take place Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until the time of Funeral Mass at 4:00 p.m. at St. Stephen Catholic Church Site of St. Dominic Catholic Parish, 1310 Malzahn Street, Saginaw MI, 48602. Rev. Fr. Richard John will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, per Mom’s wishes, please consider memorial donations to St. Dominic Catholic Parish/Outreach Program, care of the church or to the Saginaw Community Foundation, Geraldine Harvey Kelly Memorial Fund, 1 Tuscola Street, Suite 100B, Saginaw, MI 48607.

For information, please call Deisler Funeral Home at (989) 799-1151. To express your condolences and share memories with the family, please visit www.deislerfuneralhome.com.