Body of Missing Kayaker Located on Upper Iowa River

On Monday, May 27, 2024, around 2:25 p.m., the Iowa DNR reported seeing what they believed was a body in the Upper Iowa River near Lundy Bridge in Winneshiek County. A short time later, the Decorah Fire Department was able to confirm the sighting and recover the body of missing kayaker Justin Gerald Limkemann, age 39.  Limkemann had been missing since Saturday, May 18, after he went kayaking.  The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office and all agencies involved in the search and recovery efforts extend their heartfelt condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.

On Sunday, May 19, at around 12:16 p.m., the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a missing 39-year-old male kayaker. The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office immediately began investigating.  The kayaker was alone and had launched onto the Upper Iowa River around 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 18. The last known location of the kayaker was on the river near the Freeport area at around 6 p.m., Saturday, May 18.  A short time after the investigation was initiated, the capsized kayak was located in the middle of the Upper Iowa River just below the Upper Dam.  Several other items belonging to the kayaker were also located in the river below the Upper Dam.

The Decorah Fire Department and the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office conducted an extensive search of the river from Freeport to the Lower Dam. This search included a jet boat, sonar, and drone technology.

The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office, Decorah Fire Department, Winneshiek County Emergency Management, and Iowa DNR continued search and recovery efforts throughout the day and evening hours Monday, May 20.  In addition, Christian Aid Ministries Search and Rescue, Illinois Team, was deployed to the Upper Dam area. Advanced equipment, technologies and experts did an extensive search of the area.  These latest efforts were unsuccessful.

According to the Winneshiek County Sherif’s Office on May 22, due to mother nature and high-water levels, search and recovery efforts were altered. The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office, along with search and recovery crews worked closely with Justin’s family throughout this operation. Search and recovery efforts continued throughout the next several days as conditions allowed, culminating in the recovery on May 27.