Geraldine "Gerry" Evelyn Neal

Geraldine "Gerry" Evelyn Neal of Saginaw, Michigan 

Beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Toni & Trish House in Auburn, Michigan. Geraldine Evelyn Himmelein was born on February 28, 1926, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late John Frank and Minnie Bell (Ayers) Himmelein. She was a proud 1944 graduate of Saginaw High School. As a young lady, Gerry worked for a local dry-cleaning company and later for Lufkin Rule. She married Roy William Neal Sr. on February 18, 1952. She treasured and cherished being a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. For years, she was the "#1 fan" for all the sports teams, especially baseball, on which her kids and their friends played. She also managed her sons' neighborhood little league baseball team, the Mud Hens, from 1960 to 1975. Gerry was employed as a hostess and cook with the Saginaw Public Schools, two years with Nelle Haley Elementary School and later at Chester Miller Elementary School. She retired in 1996 after 20 years of loyal and dedicated service. Following the death of her husband, she supported the union by attending their monthly meetings and luncheons. Gerry was a longtime line dancer, a hobby she enjoyed with her friends. She danced mostly at Spurs Too in Midland, but also went on many line dancing trips. Whether it was playing Uno, watching movies, or working in her yard, family was at the heart of her spirit. Gerry also enjoyed traveling, gatherings with friends, and spending time with her close group of lady friends. She will forever be remembered for being a loving and devoted family woman, for her being a generous and a selfless light to those she loved, and for truly living an amazing life filled with many beautiful memories and stories. 

Surviving are six children: Gerilynn S. Gaeth of Davenport, IA; Roy W. (Diane) Neal Jr. of Linden; Dennis J. (Debra) of Owosso; Brian D. (Darla) of Detroit; Stephen W. Neal of Saginaw; Christine L. MacKay of Middletown, NJ; 10 grandchildren: Shari (Bob) King, Stephanie (Bryan) Byrd, Nathan Neal, Bethany Neal, Lauren (Matt) Neal, Julia Neal, Patrick (Ashley) Neal, Shawn Neal, Caitlin MacKay, Declan MacKay; four great-grandchildren: Brianna Condon, Andrew Gaeth, Maricella Meraz and Hazel Neal; a nephew, Kenneth (Ann) Himmelein. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, and extended family. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy W. Neal Sr.; a son, Robert P. Neal; and her brothers and sisters. 

Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw, Michigan, 48603, on Sunday, May 5, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. (Noon). Private entombment will take place at Oakwood Mausoleum. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Toni & Trish House in Gerry's memory through www.toniandtrishhouse.org. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.casefuneralhome.com.