An official obituary has been posted for trainer Larry Rheinheimer, of Freaky Fete Pete fame, who passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 24 at the age of 72.
Most recently, Rheinheimer, of LaGrange, Indiana, enjoyed success as the trainer and breeder of Indiana millionaire pacer Freaky Feet Pete, who was the 2015 Breeders Crown champion.
Harnessracing.com has reported that Rheinheimer collapsed in the paddock area at Hoosier Park on Saturday night. He was tended to by paramedics and was transported to a local hospital. The report has said that Rheinheimer passed away after having suffered a heart attack.
On Monday, September 26, officials with Hoosier Park released a statement in regard to Rheinheimer's passing.
“On behalf of Hoosier Park Racing & Casino and Centaur Gaming, we are deeply saddened by the passing of Larry Rheinheimer. Along with the entire Standardbred racing industry, we’ve lost a great horsemen and friend. We honour Larry’s many contributions to and accomplishments in Indiana horse racing over the course of his lengthy career,” said Rick Moore, Hoosier Park Racing & Casino’s vice president and general manager of racing. “Our hearts go out to Mary Jo Rheinheimer and the entire Rheinheimer family during this difficult time.”
Hoosier Park, along with Indiana horsemen, will hold a remembrance for Larry Rheinheimer in the upcoming week
The official obituary for Rheinheimer appears below. It can also be accessed by clicking here.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Larry Rheinheimer.
Larry Wayne Rheinheimer, 72, of LaGrange, IN died unexpectedly on Saturday September 24, 2016 at St. Vincent Anderson Hospital in Anderson, IN.
Larry was born on December 3, 1943 in Sturgis, MI to Raymond ‘Bud’ and Florence (Hooley) Rheinheimer.
Living most of his lifetime in LaGrange and Steuben Counties, he was an accomplished horse trainer. He was a member of the LaGrange Trottingbred Association, USTA, Tri-State Pony Club, and was a director of the Indiana Standardbred Association. In 2015, he was a Breeders Crown Winner with Freaky Feet Pete and awarded the small trainer of the year.
Larry worked for many years for Dutch Housing in LaGrange, IN where he retired as a plant manager.
On June 3, 1967 at Lake Gage, IN he married Mary Jo Larimer; she survives in LaGrange.
Also surviving are three sons and two daughters-in-law, Marty Rheinheimer of Howe, IN, Mark and Michelle Rheinheimer of Orland, IN, and Matthew and Cori Rheinheimer of LaGrange, IN; five grandchildren, Nathan, Jacob, Emily, Sarah, and Katie Rheinheimer; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Shirley and Ben Helmuth of LaGrange, IN, Karen and Mike Coffee of Englewood, FL, and Bonnie and Tom Swihart of Churubusco, IN; a brother, Lonnie Rheinheimer of Hugoton, KS; and a sister-in-law, Darlene Rheinheimer-Mishler of Shipshewana, IN.
His parents, and a brother, Lynn Rheinheimer preceded him in death.
Funeral services will take place on Thursday, September 29, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the Frurip-May Funeral Home, 309 W. Michigan St., LaGrange, IN with Cory Hooley and Derek Hooley officiating.
Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Orland, IN.
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 from 2-8 pm at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, 3293 Wright Rd., Laura, OH 45337.