Roscoe IL
10-13-2021 1:38pm

Gene Readette (1932-2021) won the Illinois State Amateur Golf Championship in 1955

Photo: Chicago District Golf Association

Gene Arnold Readette, 88, of Roscoe, IL passed away on Friday, October 8, 2021 after a car accident at McCurry Road and Willowbrook Road. He was born on November 5, 1932, in Rockford, IL, the son of Fredrick and Margaret.

Roscoe police officers say that at about 5:45 p.m. Friday, Gene was driving his Toyota west when he struck an eastbound Dodge. Both drivers were taken to Javon Bea Hospital. The other driver had non-life-threatening injuries. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

Gene was an Army veteran, stationed at Camp Roberts, CA in 1953 and serving from 1954-1961. After being honorably discharged from the Army, he owned and operated Readette Office Equipment serving many residents and businesses in the surrounding Rockford area. In 1971, they were advertising their "typewriter repair and cleaning" services in Rockford, and by 1976, they were selling used calculators, typewriters and adding machines. For 40 years the company has specialized in troubleshooting and repairing computers & shredders.

Gene had a great love for the game of golf. He played an exhibition match with Jack Nicklaus in the 1960’s. In 1955, he became one of only three Rockford-area golfers who has ever won the Illinois State Amateur Championship. He achieved that feat at the University of Illinois (Orange) Golf Course in Savoy, IL, in an 18-hole match play tournament. He also won the Rockford Men's City Tournament and other local amateur tournaments.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents, Fredrick and Margaret and sister Juanita. He is survived by his children, Mark Readette Sr. and Margo Readette; grandchildren, Shiree, Mark Jr., Sarah, Elizabeth and Brandon; 10 great-grandchildren; and special friend, Cornelia Gastner.

His family says, "We have been lucky to speak and meet with many of the community members that Gene, our beloved father and grandfather, did business with over the last 30-35 years and learned that those relationships turned in to friendships. That’s the type of person he is, he befriended and loved everyone around him and he valued your friendships more than he did earning your business."

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at 1:00PM in Shirland Cemetery, 14500 Boswell Road, Rockton, IL 61072, where his grandfather Albert Moate and other relatives are buried .

More News from Roscoe
I'm interested
I disagree with this
This is unverified
Spam
Offensive