VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK, Minn. — The National Park Service Ranger who died Sunday in the line of duty in Voyageurs National Park was a dedicated law enforcement officer, emergency services volunteer, member of the community, and beloved husband and friend.
Park ranger Kevin Grossheim, 55, of Kabetogama, Minnesota, died on Sunday, October 6, on Namakan Lake.
“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 responded Sunday morning 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 roughly three-hour long search.
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 local lakes of the park.
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.
Details about memorial services for Ranger Grossheim are still being finalized. In recognition of his life-saving act, National Park Service Deputy Director Frank Lands ordered the American flag lowered at national parks through sunset October 9 in Grossheim’s honor.
The National Park Service is continuing to investigate the details of Sunday’s incident.
News release by the National Park Service.
