Frederick C. Andkjar

Frederick C. Andkjar of Callicoon, a retired textile designer and longtime area resident, passed away on Sunday, September 22, 2024 at his home. He was 95. 

The son of late Charles and Ella Klaudig Andkjar, he was born January 8, 1929 in Brooklyn, N.Y. Fred was a self-employed designer of fabric and wallpaper for interiors. Fred and his wife of 73 years, Helga, both artists, worked together on their original designs. The designs were created in their individual art studios in the Beechwoods and sold to clients in New York City,

In addition to being a successful designer, Fred was a highly accomplished fine art painter. Fred and Helga were lifelong gardeners, and their flowers became the subject matter of both their paintings and designs. Fred’s knowledge about fine art ran deep. He understood the chemistry behind different pigments and ultimately established his own palette—from which he crafted his colors and put them in hand-labeled tubes. Fred considered his exquisite floral paintings to be his life’s work. He is represented by Inner Space Fine Arts, North Reading, MA.

Survivors include his wife Helga Elizabeth Talstrom Andkjar, at home, a son Eric Andkjar and his wife Virginia of Charlottesville, VA; a daughter Elise Freda and her husband Joseph of Callicoon, NY; granddaughter Amy Barnes and her husband Matt of VA; great grandchildren Teagan and Lauren Barnes of VA. He was predeceased by a grandson, Andrew Andkjar.

Graveside services and burial will be private in the Hortonville Cemetery, Hortonville, NY. Memorial contributions in Fred’s name may be made to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, 800 Stony Brook Ct, Newburgh, NY 12550. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home, Railroad Ave, Roscoe, NY. www.Harris-FH.com 607498 4929 or 845 439 5200.