Body of missing kayaker found in upper Iowa River

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

Around 2 p.m. on May 18, Justin Gerald Limkemann, 39, of Frederika, jumped into the river alone. Its last known location was near the Freeport area around 6 p.m. that day. The next day, around noon, he was reported missing. The Sheriff's Office and Decorah Fire Department began a search and quickly found a capsized kayak, but not Limkemann.

The search and recovery efforts required jet boat, sonar and drone technology. Efforts had to be modified last week due to bad weather and high water levels.

On Monday, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources reported the sighting of a body in Upper Iowa near Lundy Bridge in Winneshiek County. Decorah firefighters recovered the body, which turned out to be Limkemann's.

“The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office and all agencies involved in the search and recovery efforts extend their deepest condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones during this difficult time,” a news release said.

Comments: (319) 398-8328; [email protected]