Missing Retired Andrew Teacher's Family Awaits ID Of Body

GRANT PARK, IL — The family of a retired Andrew High School teacher is awaiting results from an autopsy of a body found in Kankakee River State Park over the weekend to see if it's that of the missing educator, according to an online post Sunday. Dan Jarski has been missing for two months after leaving his home in rural Grant Park in early September.

"We are aware of the news and rumors that have reached many of you by now regarding Dan, and we wish for you to respectfully keep them from spreading until we have confirmation," an update on the family's Find Dan Jarski page stated. "We all know this was not the news we were hoping for, and we want to thank everyone for their support and help — but the family needs time to process this."

Officials at the Kankakee County Sheriff's Office and coroner's office were not available Sunday to comment about the discovery. It also was not known when the autopsy would be performed.

A search group had been organized by the family Saturday, Nov. 10, to scour a fishing and boat launch area at the park, south of Route 102 and west of Warner Bridge Road.

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.

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, Janace said.

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

Other searches involving volunteers, drones and police dogs have been conducted in the area. A candlelight vigil for Jarski was held in October, and family, friends and former students shared their anecdotes and memories about the science teacher, who retired in 2017.

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