Tributes to park ranger who died during rescue in Voyageurs National Park

The park ranger who died on Sunday while rescuing a group of campers has been identified by Voyageurs National Park, and dozens have paid tribute to him.

Kevin Grossheim, 55, of Kabetogama, had worked as a park ranger for over 20 years. In addition to his work for the National Parks Service, he volunteered with the Kabetogama Fire Department. He was an experienced boat operator and a Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) instructor with experience navigating the park's local lakes.

Grossheim had received a distress call on Sunday morning from park visitors near Birch Cove Island on Namakan Lake. After taking a family of three aboard his boat, it overturned due to high winds of up to 40 miles per hour and rough waters.

The three family members reached safety by swimming to shore, but Ranger Grossheim could not. After a three-hour-long search, his body was eventually recovered later that afternoon.

The park posted a memorial on its Facebook , identifying Grossheim as the ranger and mourning the loss of a "dedicated law enforcement officer, emergency services volunteer, member of the community, and beloved husband and friend."

“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.”

Former coworkers have taken to social media to mourn Grossheim's death.

"A terrible, heartbreaking loss for Voyageurs and the entire NPS community. Kevin trained me (and countless other VOYA employees over the years) in safe motorboat operation," Lindsay Brandt said on Facebook. "He was the epitome of a good, kind ranger who truly cared for the community and people he served. He will be deeply, deeply missed."

The St. Louis County Rescue Squad also posted a statement on its Facebook page,.

"Suffice it to say we are devastated... when one in the Emergency Services family dies, a piece of us all is lost forever," the post reads. "We offer our prayers to Kevin's family and ask you to do the same. They and the entire park staff have a tough road to navigate, and we pray they find peace and strength in the difficult days ahead."

While memorial service details are still being finalized, the park announced that National Park Service Deputy Director Frank Lands ordered the American flag lowered at national parks through sunset on October 9 in Grossheim’s honor.

Governor Tim Walz also ordered flags on state buildings to be flown at half-staff in his memory, writing that he was "a dedicated ranger and public servant, known for his unwavering commitment to helping others."

Related: Park ranger dies Sunday while on rescue mission in Voyageurs National Park