Frederick "Freddy" Rathgeber

Frederick “Freddy” Rathgeber, 80, of Greenfield, passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at Springfield Memorial Hospital.  He was born March 3, 1944 to Wilbur and Ruby (Huff) Rathgeber in Carrollton, IL. He married Brenda Reavis on October 9, 1963, and she preceded him in death March 19, 2021. 

Surviving are two daughters, Michelle (Tony) Rathgeber and Marcia (Curt) Borcky of Greenfield, four grandchildren, Justin (Talisa) Bowen, Kimberly (Jose) Aviles, Cassie Borcky and Layne Borcky, and seven great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, and brothers-in-law, Barbara and Harold Young, Garra and Harold Freer and nephew Kenny Young.

Fred graduated from Greenfield High School in 1962, and began his work career as a welder, but he soon followed in his father’s footsteps of harness racing and began, racing, training, and owning horses.  His racing career took him to Springfield and eventually on to Chicago where he raced at many large race tracks.  During his time in Chicago, he and Brenda raised their daughters.  He transitioned out of horse racing and was the owner and operator of several businesses including a pizzeria and a restaurant/bar. In 1982, he returned to Greenfield where he successfully owned and operated Westside Food and Beverage for 17 years, along with his beloved wife Brenda. After selling the business, he returned to work at the Alton Mental Center as a security therapy aide. During a lay off from the state, he worked at Argosy Casino as a cage cashier.  He later returned to his state job and officially retired in 2012. He was an avid golfer, and attended many annual golf trips to various destinations, but namely the infamous annual “Ozark Trip”.  He was a Woodbine Country Club member and played many years on the Monday night league. He also enjoyed bowling in league. Most importantly, he enjoyed events with family and friends which included boating in the Ozarks and vacationing in the Caribbean.  Fred was a hard worker and strived to be successful in all of his endeavors.  He will be missed dearly by his family and friends.

Cremation rites will be accorded and a memorial service will be held at 11 am Saturday, March 16, at the Shields-Bishop Funeral Home in Greenfield.  Visitation will be from 9 am until time of service.  Memorials are suggested to the Greenfield Grace Church, or the Woodbine Country Club. Please leave a memory or condolence at shields-bishopfh.com.

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