Fred Kalmar

Palm Springs - Fred Kalmar, 85, of Palm Springs, California, passed away peacefully in his garden on Monday, October 13, 2025 - surrounded by the flowers and fruit trees he loved and cared for.

Fred was born in Riverside, California, to Arthur and Elizabeth Kalmar.

Fred graduated from Riverside Polytechnic High in 1958 and received his Bachelor's of Science degree in Ornamental Horticulture from Cal Poly Pomona. Fred's career brought him to Palm Springs initially working the grounds at the Annenberg Estate before opening his own landscape company where most of his clients were celebrities or Hollywood elites living in the Las Palmas neighborhood.

In the 1960s, Fred married Ellen Stern, and together they built a beautiful life filled with family and adventure. They raised two devoted children - Joe Kalmar (married to Patricia Tam) and Lisa Kalmar Jarecki (married to Joey Jarecki).

A passionate rockhound, Fred was an active member of his local rock and mineral club, Shadow Mountain Gem and Mineral Society, always eager to share his knowledge and discoveries. He was an outdoorsman and adventurer at heart - a collector of historical treasures and a lifelong lover of nature. Whether exploring the desert, tending to his garden, or sharing stories about his finds, Fred's curiosity and joy for life inspired those around him.

Fred is survived by his brother Don Kalmar, sister Christy Martinek, son Joe Kalmar, daughter Lisa Jarecki, and grandchildren Evelyn, Elle, Bradley, and Misha.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at Desert Memorial Park in Cathedral City, California, followed by a celebration of life gathering.

Fred will be remembered for his gentle heart, endless curiosity, and the beauty he brought into the world - both through his garden, collections, and the lives he touched.