Kevin DeRoy Hedemark

Obituary of Kevin DeRoy Hedemark
Kevin DeRoy Hedemark
Kevin DeRoy Hedemark, passed unexpectedly on November 3, 2025, just days before his 58th birthday. Born on November 6, 1967, Kevin grew up on an acreage near Bronson, Iowa, and graduated from Lawton-Bronson High School. He went on to attend Morningside College, where he earned his Bachelor's degree and began a lifelong journey in music, media, and community service.
Music and radio were central to Kevin's life. For 35 years, he thrived in the broadcasting industry, developing an extensive background in marketing and public relations. Many knew him by his on-air name, "Kevin Kollins," as he brought energy, humor, and warmth to listeners across the airwaves. For more than a decade, Kevin's voice could be heard on Joliet stations 1340 WJOL and Star 96.7. His love of performance extended to narrating several books at Audible, a testament to his gift for storytelling and connection.
Kevin later transitioned from radio to the recording industry, and ultimately to public service. He found a new calling with the Will County Sheriff's Department, where his dedication and leadership earned him numerous honors. He was named Auxiliary Supervisor of the Year in 2011, received the President's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024 for more than 4,000 volunteer hours, and earlier this year, was appointed Public Information Officer for the Will County Sheriff's Office.
Deeply invested in his community, Kevin served as Marketing Coordinator for Heritage Corridor Destinations, played an active role in the Joliet Prison project, helped establish the Illinois Rock and Roll Museum, and found countless other ways to give back to those around him. He also found extreme joy by sharing his compassion and humor as a substitute teacher in the Valley View School District, inspiring students with his enthusiasm and kindness.
Kevin will be remembered for his charismatic personality, quick wit, and ability to make everyone around him smile. He had a passion for music-especially for Prince. A loyal Iowa Hawkeyes fan, Kevin never missed a chance to cheer on his team. Above all, he cherished his family, whose love was the heartbeat of his life.
Kevin is survived by his devoted wife of 35 years, Patricia (née Mesz) Hedemark; and their three daughters, Mallory, Rylee, and Taylor Hedemark. He is also survived by his parents, DeRoy and Sharron (née Amick) Hedemark; his sister, Robin (Patrick) Nelson; his mother- and father-in-law, Kay and Howard Mesz; and his extended family, including Laura Mesz, Michele (John) Pucelik, David (Sue) Mesz, Bryan (Christa) Mesz, and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and great-nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Louis and Iva Amick, Marjorie Amick, and Evelyn Hedemark.
Kevin's laughter, generosity, and love for life will continue to resonate through the many lives he touched. His legacy is one of compassion, creativity, and dedication to family and community.
A Memorial Gathering for Kevin DeRoy Hedemark will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the Memorial Service at 4:00 p.m. A Police Department walk-through will start at 3:30 p.m. As it was his request, cremation rites have been accorded. Services and inurnment at Memorial Park Cemetery will take place in the upcoming weeks in Sioux City, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, a page has been established for his family to distribute to his favorite charities.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.