Body of kayaker missing on Upper Iowa River found

The body of a kayaker who went missing over a week ago on the Upper Iowa River was found Monday afternoon, according to the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office.

About 2 p.m. May 18, Justin Gerald Limkemann, 39, of Frederika, launched alone into the river. His last known location was near the Freeport area about 6 p.m. that day. The next day, at about noon, he was reported missing. The Sheriff’s Office and the Decorah Fire Department began a search, and soon found a capsized kayak but not Limkemann.

Search and recovery efforts involved a jet boat, sonar and drone technology. Efforts had to be altered last week because of bad weather and high water levels.

On Monday, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources reported a sighting of a body in the Upper Iowa near Lundy Bridge in Winneshiek County. The Decorah Fire Department recovered the body, which was determined to be Limkemann.

“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,” a news release states.

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