The Babbitt area is mourning the loss of a Northeast Range graduate and former city police officer who died unexpectedly.
The East Range Police Department reported Sgt. Cody Siebert passed away on Feb. 27, less than 24 hours after being diagnosed with a brain infection.
Siebert started at the K9 program in Babbitt with K9 Taconite (Tac) before going to the East Range Police Department.
A GoFundMe to support Siebert’s family had raised over $120,000 by Wednesday.
Siebert had also served as a basketball and golf coach for Northeast Range. The school posted on Facebook: “I remember when Cody delivered pizza to Mr. Stachovich through his classroom window, just like at a drive through,” said Principal John Vukmanich.
“Cody and I were what I considered ‘summer friends.’ He used to always visit me when I was shooting hoops in the park (a favorite summer pastime of mine) and chat about what was going on that day. He always had a smile on his face and the best attitude about life,” said Amanda DeGraef “My favorite memory of Cody is when he would come into my sixth grade classroom at some of the most random times and talk with all of us. The kids would ask him questions, he’d talk with the students, and make every single one of them feel important. Then he’d tease me about my students liking to learn from him more than me. He was also one of my classmates growing up (Class of 2011) and I have countless memories of him being a general goofball but always smiling. He was one of the good ones,” said Rachael Thom.
“I remember Cody playing basketball while he was in high school. He was a standout and knew how to play well. My son Brandon was part of our elementary league and on Saturday mornings, we had games at the school. Cody, among others, had to come ref our games even after late Friday night varsity games. He was so tired! However, as a HS player he had to help out the younger athletes. It was their responsibility to show leadership and set the example for others. I had to do stats and my husband coached. We really appreciated having him there. He also had a cool personality that was fun to have him around,” said Christine Mackai.
“My favorite Cody memory is when he brought Tac to meet the elementary students. He was extremely patient answering all their questions and letting them get to know Tac. He listened to all their stories (because with little kids when you ask if they have a question, inevitably they want to tell you a story) and showed interest in everything they had to say. He was always smiling and whenever he visited our building he would stop to say hi and ask how you were doing. He was a genuinely good and kind person,” said Erin Peitso.
“Morning meeting of the minds, back in the day. Cody would come in early and join us in solving the world’s problems (or at least those that the could affect some type of change). Cody was also one of my former students and part of the Class of 2011, a class I was an advisor for. He like to make others laugh, cared deeply about his friends, and wore his school pride on his sleeves and face for all to see. Cody knew that going to school was more than just reading, writing, and arithmetic. He knew that opportunities like those offered here were worth taking and loved getting involved, making the school a better place, not just for him, but for others,” said Leanne Akemann.
“My favorite memory of Cody is seeing him in Mr. Stachovich’s room, sitting with the students, laughing and joking alongside them. He had such a natural way of connecting — making them feel comfortable while still encouraging them to make good choices. More than anything, he made it clear that he was there for them, unconditionally. His presence brought warmth, guidance, and a sense of safety that meant more than words can express,” said Susan Melgeorge.
“My favorite member of Cody is of him driving a golf cart down the 18th fairway at Minnesota National, driving past coaches and golfers as groups of golfers were finishing. He flew past at a rate of speed the average golf fan would be upset at, but a bathroom emergency was about to take place,” said Adam Hagen.
“My favorite Cody memory is when they were having tricycle races at an all night grad party and I remember him saying ‘I don’t know how they ride these things!’” said Leigh Backe (PTO).
In the Go Fund Me post, Siebert was listed as “a devoted father, a loving partner, and a proud K9 Police Officer with the East Range Police Department. To know Cody was to have a friend. He had a rare gift for connection—if you crossed paths with him, you knew you were in for a genuine conversation. He truly enjoyed people, and his absence leaves a void in our community that will be felt by many.
“While Cody dedicated his career to protecting our community, his greatest pride and joy were found at home. He leaves behind his significant other, Karen, and their two young sons: Reese (two years old) and Bayne (one year old).
Mayor Andrea Zupancich posted, “This is absolutely devastating news. My heart is broken for all. Cody was a wonderful person, father, partner, friend and police officer. I wish his family healing and condolences during this difficult time. He will ever be so greatly missed. I’ve known Cody for many many years, I subbed him in school, lived down the street from us, later he was an officer on the Babbitt Force, implemented Babbitt’s K-9 program, was great with the school kids and helped tremendously in the entire area. Rest in Peace my friend. There is a Go Fund Me set up for his family, if you are able, please help Karen and the boys out.
The East Range Police Department post included “His passing was unexpected for everyone. Sgt Siebert was well known for his happy-go lucky personality. It was best said that if you couldn’t get along with Cody, it was your fault. Sgt. Siebert started the K9 program in Babbitt with K9 Taconite (Tac) before coming to East Range Police Department with K9 Tac. The hole left by Sgt Siebert’s passing will be impossible to fill. We at ERPD love you and will miss you always. We have it from here.”
