Obituary of Gene R. McKinstry Sr.

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