Frederick John Kaltenstein, born in Danbury, was a ‘65 graduate of Danbury High School. After graduation, he worked for Republic Foil where he was instrumental in unionizing the company. Fred was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1970, becoming a Green Beret. He was stationed in Germany and served as a communications expert. Upon return, he went back to work at Republic Foil where he met his beautiful wife, Joanne Potter. They married in 1972. Fred joined the Danbury post office in 1973 as a mail clerk. During his 29-year career at the post office, he was active in the union. He also was a committed labor educator, providing labor history books to public school and university libraries around town. In addition, he was an avid gardener, especially of fruit trees, and later in life became a wine enthusiast and Italy aficionado.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents Irving and Elsa (Forlini) and brother Paul. Fred is survived by his wife, Joanne; son, John; daughter-in-law, Maiah Jaskoski; grandsons, Samuel and Jacob; daughter, Brenda and her fiance Brian Ramey; brother, Alan; nieces, Kristi Smith, and Amber; brothers-in-law, Ray and Bobby Potter, and several relatives in Follonica, Italy.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society.
The viewing hours at Hull Funeral Home (60 Division St., Danbury) will take place Saturday, May 29, 2021, from 9:30am-11am with a graveside service at 11:30am at Wooster Cemetery.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Frederick J. Kaltenstein, please visit our floral store.