A law enforcement park ranger who died in the line of duty at Voyageurs National Park Sunday has been identified as Kevin Grossheim, 55, of Kabetogama, Minn.
“Kevin was much loved by all and always known to go above and beyond,” said Voyageurs National Park Superintendent Bob DeGross. “He will be greatly missed. Our hearts go out to his wife and their loved ones.”
Grossheim responded Sunday morning to a distress call from park visitors near Birch Cove Island and took a family of three aboard his National Park Service boat. The boat capsized in high winds and rough waters on Namakan Lake, the National Park Service (NPS) said in a news release.
The three family members were able to reach safety, but Grossheim was missing. His body was recovered later Sunday afternoon following a three-hour search.
“Ranger Grossheim was a treasured member of the community and served at Voyageurs National Park for more than 20 years,” NPS said.
According to a press release, Grossheim volunteered with the Kabetogama Fire Department in addition to his work at the park. He was a Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) instructor and experienced boat operator familiar with navigating the local lakes of the park.
“The Ranger died doing what he loved to do, helping others. His partners and deputies who worked with him all knew he had a servant’s heart as big as the Park he patrolled,” said St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay.
NPS said Grossheim began his career as a seasonal ranger at Boston National Historical Park in 1993, and worked seasonally at Curecanti National Recreation Area. In 1995, Grossheim became a permanent park ranger, serving first at Boston National Historical Park and Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore before beginning his 23-year tenure as a commissioned law enforcement park ranger at Voyageurs.
Details about memorial services for Grossheim are still being finalized and NPS continues to investigate the details of the incident.
NPS Deputy Director Frank Lands ordered the American flag lowered at national parks through sunset Oct. 9 in Grossheim’s honor.
