January 18, 2025
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'A good friend to all': Sycamore alderman Rick 'Spider' Kramer remembered by community

SYCAMORE – Sycamore Fourth Ward Alderwoman Virginia Sherrod said Wednesday she has nothing but fond memories of fellow Fourth Ward Alderman Rick “Spider” Kramer, who died Monday due to cancer. Never mind that Kramer always was willing to show her the ropes on City Council, Sherrod said, but one of her favorite memories she has of him was a more personal one. She said her adult daughter wanted to get matching tattoos with her and to have Spider do them through his shop Spider Tattooz, 126 E. State St. But she was admittedly apprehensive about going under the needle. “And he made me feel so relaxed,” Sherrod said.

By Katie Finlon

Sherrod said that was Kramer's essence – he wasn't the type to make anyone feel stupid about asking a question during City Council or to pass judgment on others, from what she saw, and he had a way of getting others around him to feel more at ease. She said he was a great friend to many, including herself, and it's been amazing to see the outpour of love and support for him and his family during this difficult time. “We’ve lost such an awesome person and I know he’ll never be forgotten," Sherrod said, her voice breaking. "I will never forget him, because every time I look at my right arm ... I’m going to think of Spider.” Sherrod's comments come after Sycamore city officials also confirmed in a Tuesday social media post that Kramer died. City officials wrote in the Tuesday post that Kramer served on the City Council seat for more than nine years and was an active member of the community as a decades-long local business owner, retired volunteer Cortland firefighter and active member of community organizations like Moose Lodge #1506. “Our thoughts go out to his wife Gloria and family,” the post read. “His passion, creativity and artistry will live on in the many lives he touched.” (Shaw Media)

Sherrod said that was Kramer's essence – he wasn't the type to make anyone feel stupid about asking a question during City Council or to pass judgment on others, from what she saw, and he had a way of getting others around him to feel more at ease. She said he was a great friend to many, including herself, and it's been amazing to see the outpour of love and support for him and his family during this difficult time. “We’ve lost such an awesome person and I know he’ll never be forgotten," Sherrod said, her voice breaking. "I will never forget him, because every time I look at my right arm ... I’m going to think of Spider.” Sherrod's comments come after Sycamore city officials also confirmed in a Tuesday social media post that Kramer died. City officials wrote in the Tuesday post that Kramer served on the City Council seat for more than nine years and was an active member of the community as a decades-long local business owner, retired volunteer Cortland firefighter and active member of community organizations like Moose Lodge #1506. “Our thoughts go out to his wife Gloria and family,” the post read. “His passion, creativity and artistry will live on in the many lives he touched.” (Shaw Media)

On Tuesday, some local fire departments, law enforcement agencies and community groups also gave Kramer's final call in a fire engine procession driving past his and Gloria's home in Sycamore. Fire officials thanked Kramer for 42 years in fire service, 13 of which were at Cortland Fire Department, after taking a moment of silence for him. “You have completed your mission here," a fire dispatcher said during Kramer's final call. "You have been a good friend to all. We remember you for your easy going ways, your generous heart and your friendly smile. You have fought the good fight, and now it has finished its course. It is time to rest." Kramer was diagnosed with stage 4 nasopharyngeal cancer about a year and a half ago after doctors found a tumor growing between his skull and brain. The community rallied around him and his family in the months after the diagnosis, and a GoFundMe page created by Spider’s nephew, Erik Kramer, surpassed its goal and raised more than $21,000 in two weeks. Following the diagnosis, Kramer returned to the City Council in November 2019 and had said he wanted to actively participate on the council for as long as he could. Less than 24 hours before Kramer's death was made public, Sycamore city officials confirmed during their Monday City Council meeting that Kramer, amid his cancer battle, had resigned from his seat. (Photo provided)

"We are so grateful for his service, example, kindness," Lang said. "He's just an all around good person and it’s really an honor, that I have, to propose this proclamation recognizing Alderman Rick Kramer for his service to the city of Sycamore." Lang did not immediately return requests for comment from Daily Chronicle on Wednesday. Kramer's wife Gloria declined comment on Saturday regarding the proclamation and did not return a request for additional comment from Daily Chronicle on Tuesday. According to Kramer's obituary, a private family funeral service will be held through Olson Funeral and Cremation Services, Quiram Sycamore Chapel, in Sycamore. Funeral home staff said Wednesday Kramer’s family was looking at possibly scheduling services for him sometime next year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sycamore City Manager Brian Gregory also described Kramer as an amazing man who loved the city and as someone who has been a great friend to him personally, along with so many others in the community. "He's probably one of the most accepting people that I've ever had the pleasure to meet and get to know," Gregory said. (David Toney)

Sycamore Mayor Curt Lang said after reading a proclamation recognizing Kramer's contributions to the community on Monday that Kramer stepped down due to personal issues, but at the time did not elaborate on the status of his health. Cortland Fire Chief Trent Moser said Wednesday that Kramer amazed the fire department with his knowledge right away when he came on board. He said Kramer was hard working, dependable and was the type of person who could pull people together and inspire others to consider full-time careers as firefighters. “It just takes a special kind of person to be able to rally the guys together and give them a sense of direction,” Moser said. Whether it was fire safety, artistry or public service, Moser said, Kramer always gave it his all. "That’s about one of the best legacies you can have," Moser said. "To give 100% and to give everything you have to the community." (Shaw Media)

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Katie Finlon

Katie Finlon

Katie Finlon covers local government and breaking news for DeKalb County in Illinois. She has covered local government news for Shaw Media since 2018 and has had bylines in Daily Chronicle, Kendall County Record newspapers, Northwest Herald and in public radio over the years.