Kevin R. Kramer
Born: May 23, 1986, in Spring Valley, IL
Died: January 15, 2026, in Chicago, IL
After a brief but valiant battle with cancer, Kevin Roy Kramer, 39 of Peru, passed away on January 15, 2026, at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, surrounded by those he loved the most.
Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, January 24, at Senica’s Oak Ridge Banquet Hall. Burial will be at Peru City Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday, January 23, at Senica’s Oak Ridge Banquet Hall from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Additional visitation will be Saturday from 9:30 AM until time of services. The Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle has been entrusted with Kevin’s arrangements.
Kevin was born at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Spring Valley on May 23, 1986, to Joseph Kramer, Jr. and Mary (Mignone) Kramer. He was a 2004 graduate of LaSalle-Peru Township High School, and he went on to graduate from Columbia College, Chicago, with a degree in music composition.
Upon returning to the Illinois Valley, he took on the role of drum and guitar instructor at Music Suite 408, where he spread his love of music to students of all ages for 14 years. He also utilized his talents as a music educator at Illinois Valley Community College and Lostant Grade School, and he spent a year as the accompanist for the LaSalle-Peru Township High School choir.
Kevin was a prominent figure in the local music scene, performing as a solo act, as a member of several bands, and as a DJ. He was a regular member of Guys On The Radio DJ Service for 13 years, eventually branching out as an independent DJ for weddings, corporate events, and parties. As a solo artist, he delighted crowds of all kinds with his exceptional talent on guitar and live looping. Since his days in junior high, he performed in several bands, both local and beyond, including Dublo Seven, Ahymnsa, Samadhi, Egon’s Unicat, The Roots Rockers Club, Harmonix, and Kev Roy & The Joy.
In 2024, he was nominated for the Starved Rock Foundation Omni Award, and in 2025, he was recognized at the Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce 40 Under 40 awards banquet. He was a firm believer in the power of artistic collaboration, using his vast network of connections to bring like-minded people together for community projects, creative endeavors, and charitable causes.
Kevin was an incredibly gifted musician, mentor, and teacher, but he also brought to the world his immense positivity, creativity, and a genuine love of humanity. A soft-spoken but gentle soul, he sought to bring nothing but joy and goodness to all who crossed his path. His presence brought an unwavering light to the community, and he will be forever missed by those whose lives he touched.
He is survived by his daughter, Maddie Kramer; his parents; his partner, Britnee Eccles; many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins; and his rescue cat, Evie. He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Joseph and Sandra Kramer; maternal grandparents, Roy and Margaret Mignone; his uncle, Mike Mignone; and his good friends and bandmates, Andrew Kelly, Michael Zeman, and Eddie Turner.
Pallbearers will be Rick Kramer, Cory Kramer, Matt Reese, Dave Drag, Lenny Matuszewski, and Rex Bush.
Online condolences may be viewed, and remembrances shared at www.hurstfuneralhomes.com.