Frederick A. Kandler

Frederick A. Kandler, 89 of Kalamazoo, passed away on November 24, 2024. He was the son of John and Lydia (Beckmann) Kandler.

Fred graduated from Central High School and was working for his father at John E Kandler Co in 1955. He enlisted in the Navy after graduation, where he served on the USS Robert A Owens as an engineman. He married his high school sweetheart Beverly Adams upon his return. Following his naval commitment, he went to work at Peter Eckrich and Son. He then worked at Clausing while also making abrasive chop saws in his garage. He had a strong work ethic. He then went to work at Buck Tool Co as the plant superintendent and started a business selling snowmobiles, mowers and minibikes. He enjoyed racing snowmobiles at that time. He then went on to start his machinery rigging company (Kandler Tool Co), which he owned and operated for over 40 years. Bev worked with him from the beginning at the snowmobile, mower and minibike business and continued to work with him at Kandler Tool Co until she retired in 2006, then their daughter Diane worked with her dad, until he sold the business and retired at the end of 2020.

Fred enjoyed boating and would trailer their boat, with his wife Bev at his side. During his retirement, he enjoyed reading and liked to stay current on the new innovations in the auto industry. He also enjoyed driving his Dodge SRT 10 truck.

Fred was preceded in death by the love of his life of almost 60 years, Bev Kandler; son, John F Kandler; sister, Charlotte Dorgan; brother-in-law, Robert Dorgan; mother, Lydia Kandler; and father, John E Kandler.

He is survived by his daughter, Diane (Frank) Guarisco; granddaughter, Krystle; and a niece and nephew.

All are welcome to join as Fred is laid to rest with his late wife, Bev, at Ft. Custer National Cemetery on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 1:30pm. Those wishing to attend are asked to arrive at 1:20pm in the funeral assembly area.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission or the Salvation Army.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family visit https://www.langelands.com.