[1] He received his earliest education in the public schools of Detroit, graduated from Lake Shore High School of suburban St. Clair Shores, Michigan, and received a Bachelor of Laws from Detroit College of Law (now Michigan State University College of Law) in 1932.

He was an attorney and claims manager for the Michigan Mutual Liability Company from 1933 to 1945.

He was a deputy commissioner for the Workmen's Compensation Commission in Lansing, Michigan from 1939 to 1940.

He was the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan from 1953 to 1960.

[2] On June 10, 1960, Kaess was nominated by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to a seat on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan vacated by Judge Arthur F. Lederle.