After a battle with cancer, part-time IVCC music instructor Kevin Roy Kramer, 39 of Peru, died on Jan. 15, 2026, at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

In addition to teaching at IVCC, Kramer was a drum and guitar instructor at Music Suite 408 and taught music at Lostant Grade School. He also performed as a solo act, as a DJ, and with several bands throughout the area.

IVCC President Tracy Morris shared the news of Kramer’s death with the college community, writing, “His kind nature, enthusiasm for teaching and passion for music was apparent by all who knew him.  A void will be felt throughout our campus, as well as the Illinois Valley community.  Please keep Kevin’s family, especially his young daughter, in your thoughts.”

Kramer was a graduate of La Salle-Peru Township High School and attended IVCC, where he was a member of the IV Leader staff and took music classes. He graduated with a degree in music composition from Columbia College, Chicago.

Since his days in junior high, he performed in several bands, 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.