Last updated: November 18, 2024
Article
October 2024 Community Check-In
Photo by Jeff Myhre
A Tribute to Park Ranger Kevin Grossheim
In October, we lost a cherished member of the Voyageurs family. Park Ranger Kevin 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 an experienced boat operator familiar with navigating the local lakes of the park. This issue of the Voyageurs Community Newsletter will be a tribute to Law Enforcement Park Ranger Kevin Grossheim. These are just a few of the memories shared by the people that worked with him every day.
NPS Photo
Kevin cared deeply about Voyageurs and took his responsibilities—to people and to resources—with great seriousness. Kevin picked up our staff from broken boats in bad situations many times…sometimes even when it was his day off. It wasn’t at all unusual for him to text or call me (even on the weekend!) to let me know about damage or threats to resources. Kevin is a shining example of what rangers are.
- Brian Harmon, Integrated Resource Program Manager
NPS Photo
I was lucky enough to have spent 12 years working with Kevin as “My Ranger” and me being his “Maintenance Guy”. We helped each other regularly in the Namakan District and Kevin was always willing to lend a helping hand. I was always so grateful when a medical or other call would come across the radio and Kevin was there as I knew he would have a plan, and whoever was in trouble, was going to be in great hands. He has saved so many that he didn’t even know and gave his life to save others.
- Seth Nelson, Former Facility Manager
NPS Photo
...but the amazing thing about Kevin is that he never stopped putting other people first because that was his job, to make sure others were safe...
- Steve Windels, Wildlife Biologist
Kevin truly cared about us, not just as coworkers, but as people. He wanted us to be safe, but also have fun and enjoy life and our careers. I’d say he wanted that for every person he met. I’m grateful to have the privilege of working with Kevin. Almost every time I pull buoys or think about changing a prop on a boat, I think of Kevin.
- Chandler Shepherd, Former Seasonal Law Enforcement Ranger
My last words to Kevin before parting ways late Saturday afternoon were on behalf of all of us at Voyageurs. Quite possibly the last words he heard in-person from a park colleague. Words of many thanks as I let Kevin know “everybody loves you.” His eyes lit up, flashed his trademark smile, and I could tell how encouraged he was. He will be deeply missed in so many ways.
- Mark Miller, Interpretation Ranger
NPS Photo
Kevin was so special and so kind, and even though me and the other visitor center staff were just seasonals, he took the time to really care about our professional growth and give us opportunities to learn about park operations and safety. He took the time to teach us how to drive boats, to show us some of the coolest parts of the park that we never would’ve seen had he not taken us, encouraged me to take the introduction to search and rescue course.
- Kassey Trahanas, Former Interpretation Ranger
Everyone trusted Kevin and felt safer knowing he was there. He was easy to talk to. He helped people connect with the park. He just cared about everyone he met. He was simply a good person.
- Erik Ditzler, Interpretation Ranger
...he immediately said that if I wanted to practice, he would stay back and keep working with me. I learned so much during those couple of hours with him as my private MOCC instructor. He would show me how to do something then guided me through it, and even though I’d get frustrated when trying to do something he was so calm and patient. He let me ask “dumb” questions without making me feel like I was asking “dumb” questions. He really is someone we can all aspire to be like in one way or another.
- Jackie La New, Interpretation Ranger