Community Remembers Minnesota DNR Officer Sarah Grell

MINNESOTA — The funeral for Sarah Grell, a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officer who died in the line of duty Monday, will be held Friday. She is survived by her husband and three children.

The visitation and funeral will be held at the IRA Civic Center in Grand Rapids.

Grell was killed when her Chevrolet Silverado was struck by a semi on Itasca County Road 57. The Minnesota State Patrol is investigating the crash.

Grell, 39, was stationed in Grand Rapids. She served as a conservation officer since 2005.

Her uncle, father and grandfather also worked as conservation officers. Her husband works for DNR’s Forestry Division. Grell's mother worked for DNR Fisheries until she retired.

"The sense of loss we feel right now is indescribable," DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen said in a news release. "We are heartbroken for her family. Our deepest sympathies and concerns are with them. Officer Grell leaves behind an incredible legacy of service to Minnesota’s people and natural resources."

Since 1887, Minnesota's conservation officers have protected the state's natural resources and people. Grell is the 23rd Minnesota conservation officer killed in the line of duty.

"Officer Grell was the epitome of a public servant and served the Enforcement Division, the DNR, and the people of Minnesota with distinction," said Col. Rodmen Smith, DNR Enforcement Division director.

"Her loss is devastating, and we ask the people of Minnesota to keep Officer Grell and her family in their thoughts during this difficult time."