Kevin Ray Radder Spicer, age 36, died unexpectedly on August 18, 2025, in Niagara Falls, New York.

Born on November 9, 1988, in Elmhurst, Illinois, Kevin lived a life marked by curiosity, compassion, and a deep desire to understand the world and connect with those around him.

A graduate of York High School, Kevin went on to study at the College of DuPage, the University of Illinois at Chicago, and Bodenseehof Bible School in Germany. His learning and his labor, however, extended far beyond the classroom. He found wisdom and inspiration in the words of his favorite authors, in the mountains of Glacier National Park, in gardens and farms across the country, in the warmth of a Chicago coffee shop community, and even in the quiet focus of electrical work. Each experience added to the mosaic of skills, stories, and friendships that shaped his life.

Kevin loved to dive deeply into whatever captured his imagination. As a boy, he spent hours collecting baseball cards and memorizing statistics for all his favorite players. That same deep curiosity and wholehearted enthusiasm stayed with him, whether he was reading voraciously across genres, training for ultramarathons, growing and preparing food with care and creativity, engaging deeply with politics, or writing poetry that stirred hearts.

With the heart of a poet and the mind of a comedian, Kevin could make you laugh until your sides hurt while also drawing you into deeper reflection on life’s joys and sorrows. His laughter was contagious, his humor unforgettable, and his presence left people feeling lighter. He found comfort in community, whether among friends at JUSTembrace, NewStory Church in Chicago, or within Erie, PA’s urban agriculture circles.

Children especially loved Kevin. As a teacher, uncle, cousin, and friend, he carried a rare mix of patience, playfulness, and tenderness. His antics and affection brought delight, and his steady warmth left young people feeling safe and cherished.

Raised in the Christian faith, Kevin returned continually to the infinite love of Christ – a love he embodied through his kindness, gentle spirit, and unwavering compassion. Though he often struggled to feel fully at home in himself or the world, he had an extraordinary ability to make everyone else feel entirely at home in his presence.

In 2020, Kevin married Lori in Glacier National Park, surrounded by the wild beauty that mirrored their love. They made their home in Erie in 2023 with their three cats, building a life together filled with laughter, adventure, and deep companionship.

Kevin is survived by his wife, Lori; his parents, Mark and Nancy; his brothers, Charlie and Kurt (Leah); his nephews, nieces, and cousins; and many dear friends and family whose lives were forever brightened by knowing him.

A service to celebrate Kevin’s life will be held on Saturday, September 20th at 2:00 PM at Grace Bible Church (398 W Eggleston Ave, Elmhurst, IL). In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to memorial funds established in Kevin’s name with the Arthur Morgan School or Groundwork Erie, organizations that were dear to Kevin and reflect his passions for farming, teaching, and building community.

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