William T. “Bill” Kaeding, 95, formerly of Chicopee, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025, at the Massachusetts Veterans Home in Holyoke.
Born on February 9, 1930, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Bill was the son of G. Martin and Myrtle Kaeding. A graduate of Goodrich High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force immediately after graduation in 1948 — just one year after the Air Force was founded.
Bill dedicated 20 years to military service, working in Air Force law offices and serving around the world in countries including the Philippines, Pakistan, Alaska and Washington D.C., before ultimately settling in Massachusetts.
After retiring In 1968 with the rank of Master Sergeant, Bill joined the Royal Insurance Company where his professionalism and leadership earned him the position of Regional Manager, overseeing six offices across New England. During his more than two decades with the company, he played a key role in maintaining successful relationships with major clients including General Motors and Pyramid Management Group — a large real estate development conglomerate best known locally for owning the Holyoke Mall.
After his second retirement, Bill settled in Doverbrook Condominiums in Chicopee, Massachusetts, right next to Westover Air Reserve Base — a fitting home for a man whose life had been deeply shaped by his service.
On May 9, 1953, Bill married the love of his life, Elizabeth “Betty” (St. Peter) Kaeding. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and faith. They raised five children — Mary Ellen Kaeding, Bruce Kaeding, Lori Grimsley, Douglas Kaeding, and Cari Kaeding — and opened their home to many foster babies over the years. Bill and Betty’s family grew to include 10 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
He also leaves his sister, Joan Kaeding, and his brother, David Kaeding.
A man of steady faith and integrity, Bill was a devout Christian who rarely missed Sunday service. He loved Boston sports and the Greenbay Packers. He meticulously kept files on everything and could always be found each morning sitting across from his wife, working on the newspaper puzzle over breakfast and cutting out clippings to mail to family members.
Known for his sharp sense of humor — which stayed with him until his final moments — and his endless generosity and kindness, Bill left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
His legacy is one of faith, loyalty, humor, and love for family. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Funeral services for Bill will be held on Tuesday, November 18th. Visiting hours are from 10:00-11:30am at Ludlow Funeral Home concluding with a service beginning at 11:30am. Family and friends are then asked to gather for committal services with Military Honors at 2:00pm directly at Massachusetts Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Agawam.
Bill’s family has requested that no flowers be sent for the services, and in lieu of flowers, donation may be made in his memory to Tunnel To Towers Foundation (t2t.org) Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306
Previous Events
Visitation
18
Nov
432 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Service
18
Nov
432 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Graveside
18
Nov
1390 Main Street
Agawam, Ma 01001
Cemetery Details
Location
1390 Main Street
Agawam, Ma 01001
