Frederick J. Kaehler, Jr.

Frederick J. Kaehler, Jr. passed away on April 25, 2026 surrounded by family in Woolwich Gardens Assisted Living, Woolwich, New Jersey.

Born on April 13, 1935 to Mildred and Frederick J. Kaehler, Sr. and raised in Westville, NJ. Fred graduated from Woodbury High School in 1952, excelling in football and baseball as well as being named to Jersey Boys State in his junior year.

He met a local Westville girl, Anna (Nan) Halscheid and married her on August 8, 1956. They settled in West Deptford where they raised their two children. Fred and Debbie. An active parent, especially with youth sports, he was involved with the formation of the West Deptford Soccer Club, serving as club treasurer, coach and club photographer for many years.

After a brief stint as a surveyor, he went to work for New Jersey Bell Telephone where he stayed for 35 years, beginning as a lineman and progressing to more challenging work such as teletype and eventually computer systems. He worked very hard to provide a good life for his family. Summers at the Jersey shore house and boating on the Chesapeake Bay were just two of the many gifts his hard work provided.

Fred joined the New Jersey National Guard as a young man and remained in the Guard for 30 years, rising to the rank of Sergeant First Class in the artillery unit.

At the age of 60, Fred retired and began what would be a long and happy season of life. He and Nan moved to the brand new Riverwinds community in West Deptford, their new home being a source of pride for both of them as well as a meeting place for the rest of the family. In retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his wife and family. An annual winter trip to St. John USVI was always on the agenda, as well as trips to Florida, Maine and Mexico. The family also enjoyed many cruises to the Caribbean and Bermuda. He and his family also continued to boat on the Chesapeake Bay until he was in his late 70s.

His greatest joy in retirement was enjoying the company of his two grandsons, Brent and Connor. The pressures of work and raising children were gone and he could enjoy a simpler life, going to his grandsons’ events with a video camera to record every moment. A visit from them was always the highlight of his day.

Fred is survived by his children, Frederick C. Kaehler (Paula) of Woolwich Township, NJ and Debra Linkstrom (Donald) of Rotonda West Florida, his grandsons Brent Linkstrom of Somerdale, NJ and Connor Linkstrom of Manchester, NJ. He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 62 years, Anna G. Kaehler (nee Halscheid), his parents Mildred and Frederick J. Kaehler, Sr. and his sisters, Elizabeth Fine (Sam) and Evelyn Goldner (Robert).

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Fred’s long-time aide Faith Hughes as well as the staff at Woolwich Gardens Assisted Living who took such good care of Fred in his final months.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Fred's visitation on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at the McGuinness Funeral Home, 34 Hunter St., Woodbury, NJ 08096, beginning at 11:00 am and until the time of service at 12:00 pm. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery where he will be laid to rest with Anna.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Gloucester County Animal Shelter, 1200 N. Delsea Drive, Clayton, NJ 08312 https://www.gloucestercountynj.gov/211/Donate-to-Us