Fred Kaefring

Frederick “Fred” Leo Kaefring, 87, entered eternity on Friday, October 2, 2026 while under the care of Prairie Hills Assisted Living in Tipton. Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 10:30 am in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tipton with burial to follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 6th from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Fry Funeral Home, Tipton. Online condolences may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com.

Fred, son of Ivan and Mary Driscoll Kaefring, was born on October 29, 1938 in Cosgrove, Iowa. On August 4, 1963, Fred was united in marriage to Arlene Hargrafen in St. John’s Catholic Church in Delhi. He graduated from the University of Iowa with a BA Degree in Teaching and taught history and government in the North Cedar Schools. Fred worked for many years as the green’s superintendent for the Tipton Golf and Country Club and also spent time as the local cemetery sextant. He owned a farm outside of Tipon where he bred and raised Registered Black Angus cattle. Fred was a Lifetime Member of the Angus Associations, NEA, and the Greenskeeper’s Association. His greatest joy came from spending time with his family, and holding the grandchildren when they were little. If there was a baby nearby, Fred would be holding that baby. His hobbies include tropic fish aquariums and H.O. electric trains. He served his country in the Army National Guard.

Fred is survived by his wife, Arlene Kaefring of Tipton; his children, Ann (Marc) Barclay of St. Louis, MO, Mike Kaefring of Tipton and Patrick (Kellie) Kaefring of Champagne, Il.; sisters, Kathy (Earlis) Stockman, Margaret (Doug) Long, Theresa (Hanford) Swenka; brothers, Robert, Francis, Dean (Deb) Kaefring, brother-in-law, Duane Amelon; ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and 55 nieces and nephews. Fred and Arlene also hosted four foreign exchange student and still remain in contact with them. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Joyce Amelon, brothers, Ray (Joy) Kaefring, Gerry Kaefring and Ronald Kaefring.

He will be loving remembered by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, friends and who all who knew him. His life was long, and his memories will continue to bring smiles, stories and love to those who knew him.