To mark the death last week of state conservation officer Eugene Wynn Jr., Gov. Tim Walz has ordered U.S. and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff Friday at all state and federal offices.
Wynn, 43, a longtime Department of Natural Resources employee, was responding to a report of a possible body floating in Cross Lake near Pine City on April 19 when he was thrown from a boat and went under.
He never came back up, and his body was found a few hours later after an intensive search. A Pine County sheriff's deputy also tossed from the boat was pulled ashore by rescuers.
Wynn, according to the proclamation issued by Walz, "was an outstanding conservation officer, who was admired and respected by his colleagues, and served with dignity and pride."
Wynn's funeral will be held at noon Friday at the Pine City Civic Center, the same day that flags across the state will fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset.
Wynn, who lived in Pine City and had worked 18 years for the DNR, was passionate about sharing outdoor experiences like camping, fishing and hunting with family and friends, according to Walz's proclamation.
"The State of Minnesota recognizes Conservation Officer Wynn for his dedicated service to, and sacrifice for, his fellow citizens with its deepest gratitude, and all thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and entire community," the proclamation says.
Wynn is survived by his wife, Heather, a Pine County district court judge; daughter Sophie and son E.J., both of Pine City; and parents Eugene Sr. and Linda of Luck, Wis.
