True Patriot Dies While Laying Christmas Wreaths
Fred Kaffenberger
On Saturday, December 12, Fred Kaffenberger, 80, died at Leavenworth National Cemetery in Leavenworth, Kansas. Kaffenberger was dressed in uniform while preparing to lay a wreath on the grave of his son-in-law. This past Saturday was the four-year-anniversary of when his daughter’s husband was interred there.
After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Kaffenberger spent 33 years teaching history and civics. Through his own personal interest in history and genealogy, he was able to trace his ancestry to a relative who fought in the American Revolution. He joined the sons of the American Revolution, and wore the uniform of his ancestors.
Kaffenberger was active in the veterans community, and would spend much of his time honoring his fellow soldiers at events, including wreath laying ceremonies. He took pride in decorating veterans’ graves. Kaffenberger died suddenly, and doctors still aren’t sure why. But his family is taking solace in that fact that he died doing what he loved.
Kaffenberger was the father of patriotic singer Alton Rex. The AVC helped make possible a number of concerts by Alton at VA hospitals and other veterans event.
