Fred Kampfer

Franklyn Frederick ("Fred") Kampfer, a resident of Anchorage, Alaska for more than fifty years, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2025 in Green Valley, Arizona, just shy of his 88th birthday. Born on July 17, 1937, in Albany, New York, Fred lived an active life, full of adventures. He developed his love of nature at a young age through Boy Scouts of America, earning his Eagle Scout badge and sparking a lifelong passion for hiking, mountain climbing, fishing, boating, and flying his private plane over the vast Alaska wilderness.

Fred was the son of Jeanne Fleming Kampfer Werder and Franklin F. Kampfer. He attended Bethlehem Central High School (Delmar, NY), then earned his Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees from the State University of New York at Albany.

Fred began his career as a high school teacher in Albany, NY, while also serving in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. Later, he attended the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI") Academy and was named Special Agent of the FBI in 1965, where he served for twenty-three years until his retirement. During his FBI career, across decades of investigations, he exemplified the Bureau's ideals - strong work ethic and loyalty, applying methodical precision to complex cases, mentoring younger agents, and never wavering in his commitment to justice. In 1972, Fred jumped at the opportunity to take an assignment to the "Last Frontier," Alaska. With his then wife Patricia Spain Kampfer, they moved their four children to Alaska, beginning a life of outdoor adventures. Fred's love for Alaska was so great that he refused any further transfers within the FBI and retired from the FBI's Anchorage office in 1988.

Fred's favorite place in the world was Denali National Park, which he visited several times per year for decades. He achieved a lifelong dream and goal in 1979 when he climbed and summited Denali (Mt. McKinley), the tallest mountain in North America. Fred was a private pilot and proud owner of a Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser on floats, an iconic Alaska "bush" plane, which he flew out of Lake Hood in Anchorage for many years. Another favorite pastime was fishing from his boat that he docked in Seward, AK and later in Homer, AK. An avid cook, Fred was well-known for the world's spiciest kung pao chicken. He became a prolific reader later in life, dedicated to studying scripture and also enjoyed a good mystery novel.

Fred dedicated himself to service in both his career and personal life. He was chairman of, and an annual participant in, the Alaska Police Olympics for many years. He was also a regular speaker and instructor for the Alaska Peace Officers Association. A man of strong Catholic faith, Fred was an active member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish (Anchorage, Alaska) and Our Lady of the Valley Parish (Green Valley, Arizona).

Fred was predeceased by his parents, child David Kampfer, and wife Ann Meriwether Kampfer. He is survived by his longtime loving companion Linda G. White; his three children: Kim Fry of Park City, UT; Thomas Kampfer of San Diego, CA, and John Kampfer of Austin, TX; and three stepchildren: Philip Shephard of Friday Harbor, WA, Michael Shephard of Anchorage, AK, and D. Gregory Shephard of Kent, WA. He is also survived by twelve grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; his brother John B. Kampfer of Wahiawa, HI; and his beloved cat Christmas, named for his favorite holiday. He will be deeply missed by all of them.

Those wishing to remember Fred and his family, in a special way, may send contributions to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 2901 Huffman Rd., Anchorage, AK 99516 (www.akseas.net); or to Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 505 N. La Canada Drive, Green Valley, AZ 85614 (www.olvgv.org). The family is planning a Funeral Mass for the repose of the soul of F. Frederick Kampfer to be celebrated at both aforementioned churches, dates to be announced.