Missing Retired Andrew Teacher's Body Found In State Park: Family

GRANT PARK, IL — The body found over the weekend in Kankakee River State Park is that of missing retired Andrew High School teacher Dan Jarski, according to the educator's family. His identity was confirmed by the Will County Coroner's Office, the family said in an update on the Find Dan Jarski Facebook page Tuesday night.

"As a family, we are empty. This has been such a long road for us, and for all of you that have followed it with us," the post stated. "So many of you searched tirelessly, shared this page, hung flyers, prayed with us that Dan would come home. We can't say thank you enough. All we can say is that we are all blessed to have people like all of you in our lives."

Jarski, 62, was last seen by his family Sept. 8 at this rural Grant Park home, and he was reported missing Sep. 9. He had left the house without his smart phone and wallet, taking only his driver's license and auto insurance card, which was not uncommon, Janace Jarski told The Vanished, a missing persons podcast.

Authorities discovered Jarski's unlocked, red Chevrolet City Express van in a hunting area parking lot at Kankakee State Park on Sept. 11. 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.

Drones, tracking dogs and volunteers canvassed the area where Jarski's van was found, but no leads on his whereabouts have been uncovered. Family members held a vigil to continue raising awareness about Jarski's disappearance.

More Patch Coverage:

• Search Continues For Missing Teacher: Family
• Missing Retired Andrew Teacher Featured On Podcast
• Watch Missing Andrew Teacher's Vigil: 'We Just Want Him Home' (VIDEO)
• Missing Retired Andrew Teacher's Family Awaits ID Of Body

Jarski's body was discovered Saturday in the Kankakee County park. A search of the area where the body was found had been organized by the family that day.

Jarski grew up in Oak Lawn and attended Oak Lawn High School. His mother still lives in the community. He taught science at Andrew and retired in 2017.

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