VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK, Minn. — The National Park Service in Minnesota sadly announced the line of duty death of a ranger who died on Sunday during a rescue mission.
Park Ranger Kevin Grossheim, 55, of Kabetogama, Minnesota, died on Sunday, October 6, on Namakan Lake in Voyageurs National Park. He was a dedicated law enforcement officer, emergency services volunteer, member of the community, and beloved husband and friend, the National Park Service said in a news release.
On Sunday morning, Grossheim responded to a distress call from park visitors near Birch Cove Island. After taking a family of three aboard his National Park Service boat, the vessel overturned amid high winds and rough waters, according to the agency.
Fortunately, all three family members were able to reach safety, but tragically Grossheim was unaccounted for. His body was recovered later that afternoon following a roughly three-hour long search.
Grossheim was a “treasured member” of the local community and served at Voyageurs National Park during his lengthy career, NPS said.
“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.”
In addition to Grossheim’s work at the park, he volunteered with the Kabetogama Fire Department. Moreover, the public servant was a Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) instructor and experienced boat operator familiar with navigating the local lakes of the park.
The fallen park ranger began his career 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.
“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 Deputy Director Frank Lands ordered the American flag lowered at national parks through sunset Oct. 9 in Grossheim’s honor.
