Together we join the National Park Service and Voyageurs National Park community in mourning the tragic loss of law enforcement ranger, Kevin Grossheim. Park ranger Kevin Grossheim, 55, of Kabetogama, Minnesota, died on Sunday, October 6, on Namakan Lake. He was a dedicated law enforcement officer, emergency services volunteer, member of the community, and beloved husband and friend.
According to a National Park Service press release, Ranger 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. The three family members were able to reach safety, but Ranger Grossheim was unaccounted for. His body was recovered later that afternoon following a search.
Voyageurs Conservancy would like to extend its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Kevin, especially his wife Jill, Voyageurs National Park staff, the Kabetogama community, and his friends with Lake Kabetogama Volunteer Fire Department and EMS. Our organization would also like to express sincere gratitude to the National Park Service, United States Border Patrol, St. Louis County Sheriff's Office, Kabetogama Fire Department, and civilian bystanders who responded to the incident.
Kevin was well-known for putting community first. “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.”
Ranger Grossheim was a treasured member of the community and served at Voyageurs National Park for more than 20 years. He 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 park’s lakes.
Ranger 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.
There are many tributes emerging of Kevin’s heroism over the years, and on the evening of this tragedy, the northern lights illuminated Voyageurs National Park -- a tribute to Kevin from nature itself. Kevin's shining legacy of courage and selfless service will live on in the woods, waters, people, and starry skies of the park he so passionately protected.
Details about memorial services for Ranger Grossheim are still being finalized. In recognition of his life-saving act, the National Park Service will lower the American flag at national parks in Grossheim’s honor. Sunday’s incident is under further NPS investigation.
