Frederick William Kaess (December 1, 1910 – March 30, 1979) was a United States federal judge.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, Kaess received an LL.B. from Detroit College of Law in 1932. He was a Municipal judge, St. Clair Shores, Michigan from 1932 to 1933. He was an Attorney and claims manager, Michigan Mutual Liability Company from 1933 to 1945. He was a Deputy commissioner, Workmen's Compensation Commission, Lansing, Michigan from 1939 to 1940. He was in private practice in Detroit, Michigan from 1945 to 1953. He was a U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan from 1953 to 1960.
Kaess was a federal judge on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Kaess was nominated by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on June 10, 1960, to a seat vacated by Arthur F. Lederle. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on July 2, 1960, and received his commission on July 6, 1960. He served as chief judge from 1972-1975. He assumed senior status on December 13, 1975. Kaess served in that capacity until March 30, 1979, due to his death.