Fred Caspersen, a man of kindness, intellect, and unwavering dedication to his family and community, passed away on January 19, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on December 8, 1942, to Ralph and Mary Jane Caspersen in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Fred was the eldest of four brothers: David, Peter, and Daniel Caspersen. He set a lasting example of strength, humor, and support for his family.

Fred earned his degree in Physics from Harvard University. After graduating from Harvard University, Fred served in the Navy during the Vietnam Conflict. He graduated from Officer Candidate School and proudly served aboard the U.S.S. DuPont, demonstrating his dedication to his country. Following his military service, Fred continued his education at Stanford Law School, earning his Doctor of Law (JD) in 1971.

Fred spent over 40 years at Farella Braun + Martel LLP, specializing in estate planning and serving clients in Northern California wine country with integrity and care. His work earned him widespread admiration. He also served on the boards of the Napa Valley Symphony and Napa Valley College, reflecting his passion for the arts and education.

An adventurous spirit, Fred climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and lived in Paris and Hong Kong, experiences that deepened his appreciation for diverse cultures. He was a devoted uncle to Christian and Sharon, Kellogg and Liz, Peter and Chelsea, and Mark and Jennifer.

Fred's memory will be cherished forever by his family, friends, and all whose lives he enriched. Ralph "Fred" Caspersen

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Napa Valley Register from Jan. 25 to Jan. 26, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Caspersen

Sponsored by Fernwood Funeral Home Cemetery & Crematory.

18 Entries

Virginia G Smith

November 10, 2025

May you rest in peace.

Diane Nguyen

October 7, 2025

Thinking of you always, Fred. Cheers to timeless, "younger" friends.

Paul Milne

February 19, 2025

I was lucky enough to meet Fred some 25 years ago through an organization called Attorneys for Family Held Enterprises. We became peer colleagues and had a mutual interest around the whole area of values in our work with family business. A highlight for me was our collaboration with Dr. Eugene Muscat from the University of San Francisco and together we developed a values clarification process which we used when working with business families. From this collaboration grew a wonderful friendship that I am so thankful for. We enjoyed trekking together and out of that interest we climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, hiked to base camp, Mount Everest, and enjoyed other treks in Italy and Napa. Fred loved to be challenged and he always met those challenges. One adventure I remember fondly was swimming the Dardanelles in Turkey in an annual swim event. Fred made it with great ease whereas I struggled and was plucked from the water before freighter traffic opened again. Fred was cool and never boastful, he was a great athlete, but very much the intellectual. He had a real interest in the classics and introduced me to St. John´s College in Santa Fe. His love for learning was contagious and the next thing I knew I was taking courses with Fred on the French revolution and last year a cooking course on the tomato!! I will miss Fred, but I know that these memories and many others will provide a lot of comfort to me over the next years.

Paul Milne

February 18, 2025

The email I just sent was from Paul Milne

Marshall Mark Goldberg

February 11, 2025

Fred was a lovely man, such a gentle soul. I´m so sad to learn of his passing. Everyone who knew him in our law school class genuinely liked him and respected him and enjoyed his company. Such a loss for us all.

Peter Kane Mair

February 11, 2025

The first time I met Fred was at law school in a touch football game. I was defending Fred on a pass play. I was an athletic scholarship football player at Michigan and twice Fred´s size playing on a lark. Fred was fast and furious and dead serious. Fred was all I could handle.
Later, I was a federal prosecutor in Seattle and argued a series of 9th Circuit appeals in San Francisco and stayed with Fred and Pat in their home. I would wake up, shower and wrap a big towel around my waist and join them for their usual three course French breakfast. Fred attired In a house jacket over silk night clothes reading a foreign affairs journal as I scanned the sports page. He then retired to his piano where he was teaching himself to play classical music. I, the barbarian guest, he the sophisticated, intelligent man that he always was.
The world´s is now a lesser place with his passing.

Lucinda Lee

February 11, 2025

Missing our dear smart funny fun devoted curious adventurous friend; you loved us, and we loved you! Thank you for all the great times.

Joan Heimbiger Nye

February 11, 2025

Fred was supportive and fun during our class's time together at Stanford Law School. He was an expert in his field(s) and in all his ventures. We shall lift toasts to him in our annual class reunions.

Brian P Donnelly

January 31, 2025

Rest in peace Fred. You were a great partner and colleague. You inspired me to climb Mount Kilimanjaro!

Karen Kimmey

January 30, 2025

Fred was one of the first lawyers I met at Farella. He was wise, kind, and funny. He is one of the reasons I decided to make a career here. He will be missed by his Farella friends.

Mrs. Gary Anderson (Lynn)

Planted Trees

Lynn Anderson (Mrs. Gary)

January 27, 2025

Fred was a partner of my husband, Gary Anderson. We have many fun memories of Fred from years of company parties. He helped us establish our first family trust many years ago. Fred was a wonderful friend and a great attorney.

Jon Hartung

January 26, 2025

Partner and friend for over 50 years. He will be missed by so many of us.

Erik Klavon

January 25, 2025

May his memory be a blessing.

Frank G. Toller

January 25, 2025

I was in a study group with Fred and found him to be wise, delightful. He took his work seriously but not himself. May he Rest In Peace

Roger Odenberg

January 25, 2025

A brilliant and creative attorney and thoughtful individual