Richard S. Gubbe

Richard Gubbe, born July 25, 1954, passed away on March 14, 2026. A talented writer, editor, public relations specialist, and event producer, Richard built a distinguished career that spanned journalism, sports marketing, and entertainment. He served as lead writer for Caesars Palace, editor-in-chief and lead writer for Las Vegas Magazine, and features editor for the Las Vegas SUN. His earlier work included roles as Sports Editor for Tazewell Publishing’s newspapers in Illinois and copy editor for the Green Bay Press-Gazette, Southern Illinoisan, and Rockford Newspapers. Richard’s freelance credits included USA Today, The Sporting News, and several regional magazines. He interviewed numerous prominent figures in show business and sports and earned multiple awards, including two Illinois Press Association honors for his investigative series on toxic waste dumping and consecutive first-place awards from the Nevada Press Association for explanatory journalism.

Beyond writing, Richard created a customer magazine and video library for Caesars Palace and played a key role in producing major Las Vegas events. He coordinated the first outdoor professional hockey game in Las Vegas, the Robbie Knievel jump over the fountains at Caesars, worldwide boxing and kickboxing events, the Miss Universe Pageant, and various off-road and hydroplane races. An avid hockey player himself, he competed in leagues in Illinois and Nevada and earned a tryout with the New York Rangers in 1983. He also contributed to public relations and event production for the Las Vegas Aces, Las Vegas Flash, and as a consultant for the United States Navy.

Richard held a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Southern Illinois University, where he worked as a staff writer for the Daily Egyptian. He taught journalism and writing at Clark County Community College and continuing education programs, started a college newspaper, and served as a ghostwriter and grant writer for numerous charities. In addition, he maintained a 35-year career as a Reiki Master Teacher, instructing more than 3,000 students across Illinois and Nevada and serving as president of Reiki Energy International.

He is survived by his siblings Peter Gubbe (Monica), Mary Gubbe Lee, Barbara, and brother-in-law Bob Edmunds, as well as his daughter Rachel Lynne Gubbe, stepson Aaron LeQuire, and their mother Lynn, who brought him immeasurable love and joy. In keeping with his wishes, donations may be made to Stepping Stones of Rockford Stars of Light. A celebration of his life will be held on May 16, 2026, in Rockford.