Kevin Ulmer, head volleyball coach at Bemidji State University, passed away on Tuesday after a long battle with cancer. He was 41 years old.

Before joining Bemidji State in 2016, Ulmer had served as the head volleyball coach at Bethel College since 2012. Bemidji State University Athletics shared their condolences in a heartfelt Facebook post:

“It is with deep sorrow that we must announce Bemidji State University Volleyball head coach Kevin Ulmer passed away Tuesday afternoon after a long battle with cancer. We ask you to keep the entire Ulmer family, his wife Kate, and their three girls in your thoughts and prayers.”

A GoFundMe campaign created for the Ulmer family revealed that Kevin had been hospitalized in early August as his health declined, leading to the family’s decision to begin hospice care. On Tuesday, Kate shared the sad news of his passing, writing: “He is now in the presence of Jesus and in no more pain.”

The GoFundMe page continues to receive strong community support. At last check, the donation site had gathered more than $61,000 for the family.

“Kate would love to have all of these memories hanging at the funeral and then passed along to her girls so they can remember and even learn more about how special their dad was,” Weidemann shared. “His impact is far-reaching, and this will be very meaningful for them.”

Kevin is survived by his wife, Kate, and their three daughters Autumn, Hailey, and Elliette.

A Celebration of Life Service for Ulmer will be held at the Evangelical Covenant Church located in Bemidji at 2 pm on Monday, September 23rd.