Hundreds turn out for vigil for missing Cottage Grove native Danielle Jelinek

• Danielle Jelinek's parents

Ed and Janice Jelinek of Cottage Grove attend a candlelight vigil for their daughter Danielle, missing since Dec. 8. Bulletin photo by Scott Wente
• Jelinek vigil

Family and friends gather outside Five Oaks Community Church Monday evening for a vigil for the missing Danielle Jelinek, a Cottage Grove native. Bulletin photo by Scott Wente

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A vigil for missing Cottage Grove native Danielle Jelinek drew hundreds to an area church Monday evening.

An estimated 450 people turned out for a prayer service at Five Oaks Community Church. Following the private service, many joined on the church’s front steps for a candlelight vigil. They sang “Silent Night” and encircled Jelinek’s relatives and close friends.

Five Oaks pastor Henry Williams, who helped to lead the service, said he believed there were about 450 people in attendance. Jelinek’s sister Cory attends Five Oaks, Williams said.

Jelinek, a 2003 Park High School graduate, lives with her sister in Oakdale, but reportedly was last seen at a male acquaintance’s home in rural Chisago County before she disappeared early Sunday, Dec. 8.

Ed Jelinek attributed the strong showing at the vigil to the fact that his daughter has many friends.

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