Candlelight Vigil Set For Former Oak Lawn Resident

TINLEY PARK, IL — A candlelight vigil for Dan Jarski, a retired science teacher who grew up in Oak Lawn, will be held this weekend at Andrew High School. The event — called "A Vigil of Hope for Dan Jarski" — will run from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20.

Organizers hope the vigil will raise more awareness for the missing teacher. Prayers for Jarski's will be said at the vigil and participants will share stories about the teacher.

Jarski, 62, was last seen by his family Sept. 8. He was reported missing Sept. 9 from his rural Grant Park home.

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According to Jarski's wife, Janace, the retired teacher left his Grant Park house in the early morning of Sept. 9. Jarski didn't take his smart phone or his wallet, which was a common occurrence, Janace said. While not taking $900 from his wallet, Jarski apparently removed his driver's license and auto insurance card, his wife added.

Jarski grew up in Oak Lawn and attended Oak Lawn High School. His mother still lives in the community.

Authorities discovered Jarski's unlocked, red Chevrolet City Express van in a hunting area parking lot at Kankakee State Park on Sept. 11. The ID cards he had taken were not inside, and there was no indication that there had been any activity around the van. A spare key hidden in spare tire underneath the van had not been removed, Janace said.

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Jarski is described as 6-feet-2 and around 300 pounds with blue eyes and gray hair. Anyone with information on his whereabouts should contact Kankakee Sheriff's Det. Brady Bertrand at 815-802-7159.

Dan Jarski Candlelight Vigil: The Basics

When: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20

Where: Andrew High School, 9001 W. 171st St., Orland Hills

More Info: Go to the event's Facebook page for details.

Dan Jarski (Photo via Kankakee County Sheriff's Office)