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FUNERAL HOME

Advantage Funeral and Cremation Services

7000 West State Street

Rockford, Illinois

Fred Rather Obituary

FRED L. RATHER, 68 MACHESNEY PARK - Fred L. Rather, 68, of Machesney Park passed away Sunday, June 12, 2011, in his home, surrounded by his family. Born Jan. 4, 1943, in Sweetwater, Tenn., the son of Raymond and Lee Rather. Married Paula Littlejohn on Nov. 1, 1969, in Belvidere. He retired from Abar Ipsen Industries after 42 years of employment. Proudly served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Survivors include his wife, Paula Rather; sons Tony, Terry and Raymond Rather; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; brothers Bill and Dale; and many other family members and friends. Service at 10 a.m. Friday, June 17, at Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services, 7000 W. State St., with visitation from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 16. Entombment in Sunset Memorial Gardens.

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Published by Rockford Register Star from Jun. 15 to Jun. 16, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Fred Rather

18 Entries

Andy Ballinger

June 17, 2011

I knew Fred from Ipsen and also through Dale and Sue and Kathy and I would like to extend out heart-felt condolences to all of the Rather family for their loss.

Jennifer Rather

June 16, 2011

Grandpa Rather, u maybe so close to us, but yet so far away! You will always be in our hearts, mind and thoughts! You were?are a great person, friend, husband, grandfather and great grandfather!!! You will never be forgotten!!! We Love You....love TJ, Jen, Zoie n Domunik

Susan Jennings

June 16, 2011

Paula,
my thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of your loss to a wonderful husband Fred and father to your children.Fred was a wonderful cousin that will be greatly missed,but always in our thoughts.

Susan Jennings

June 16, 2011

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Karen Littlejohn (Johnson)

June 16, 2011

Aunt Paula and Family,
We are so deeply sorry to hear about Uncle Fred, it's never easy to lose someone that you love so much. I know that he will always be with us in spirit. He was a wonderful loving man that loved life and his family so much, and he will be deeply missed by all. We have you and your family in out thoughts and prayers. All of you take care and GOD BLESS.
Love, Karen & Rudy

June 15, 2011

Paula - so sorry to hear about Fred passing. He will rest in piece now, be strong Paula and take care of yourself - Love, Barb Rahn - PC Florida

Dan Shiroda

June 15, 2011

I worked with Fred for nearly 20 years at Ipsen and have known him for almost 40 years. Fred always had a smile on his face, a positive attitude and outlook on life, and always willing to lend a helping hand. My condolences to the entire Rather family for the loss of Fred. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jeff & Sue Peschang

June 15, 2011

Paula and Family
We are so sorry for your loss. Fred was a great neighbor and friend, always smiling and ready to lend a hand whenever you needed one.He will be truly missed. He will live forever in our hearts.
We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.

Harold Sage

June 15, 2011

Today I lost my best friend and buddy. I will treasure my memories of our hunting trips, vacations, camping, motorcycle rides, card games and so much more. Jennie and boys (Nick, Scott and Shawn) will always love you for the fun and laughter you gave to me and my family. Rest in peace my friend, as I will miss you tons....Uncle Pud

June 15, 2011

Paula and family, I lost one of my best friends today and I am so sorry for your loss..."Leon" was such a great-great person...I knew him for 58 years as we lived next door and I grew up with him. I thought the world of "Leon", he was like a brother to me.I know Herb thought of him the same way! I'm so happy to say he was a good friend of mine. My deepest and most heartfelt sympathy go out to all of you. Love, RaeAnn Jones

June 15, 2011

Paula and Family,
So,So, Sorry ~ I know the pain you will endure these days ahead. - It will not be easy to go through.....He was a good man! - I am so glad and Honored to have know him and heard ALL the wonderfull stories he shared about my mother and him back in grade school .
Love,
Dawn (Jones) Dutenhafer, Herb and RaeAnn Jones's daughter

Dana Flores

June 15, 2011

Fred, You were always like a father to me; I will miss you dearly! Your memory will carry on and we will never forget your love for us!

Dana, Anna and Chuy

Dawn Nerio

June 15, 2011

My thoughts are with you at this time. Bet he and Joe are playing pool right now.Take care of yourself and be strong. Dawn Nerio, TX

June 15, 2011

Grandpa - We are going to miss you very much. There won't be a day that we won't think about you. We will always remember the great times we had together. We love you very much! ~ Courtney, Roberto & Liliana

June 15, 2011

Grandpa - We are going to miss you very much. There won't be a day that we don't think about you. We love you very much! Courtney, Roberto & Liliana

June 15, 2011

Paula & Family

Fred was a great guy, he was always making people laugh. Sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Fred & Bonnie Cook
(Debbie Huckabee sister)

dave oakley

June 15, 2011

Fred was a guy that always had a smile on his face. I worked with him a number of years, a great guy. Always had to stop by and say hello a minuites in the morning there at work. So sad to hear of your loss.

June 15, 2011

To one of the greatest person you could have for a friend and a neighbor. He will be missed greatly by everyone. God Bless his family as they go through this adjustment they have to deal with. Love and Care Dorothy & Ernie Brommerich

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