Since gathering over the weekend for a candlelight vigil in the aftermath of the death of Oak Park Elementary School District 97 Trustee Peter Traczyk, Oak Park residents continue trying to make sense of the tragic loss of one of its most active citizens.
“The mere thought of such a devastating loss was impossible to fathom. As the reality of the situation set in, shock gave way to sadness … disbelief turned into despair,” the District 97 School Board said in a prepared statement released Feb. 9. “However, as is often the case in times of tragedy, the healing process began in earnest with community members coming together to celebrate one of their own.”
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Services for Traczyk, 48, will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14 at United Lutheran Church, 409 Greenfield St. Visitation will be 3-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13 at Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home, 203 S. Marion St.
Memorial contributions in his name may be made to the Oak Park Education Foundation, 970 Madison St., Oak Park, IL 60302.
Traczyk was found dead Feb. 7 in the Sunset Bridge Meadow near North Avenue, east of First Avenue in Melrose Park.
Support services were offered to students Feb. 9 at Percy Julian Middle School and Oak Park and River Forest High School, District 97 officials said.
“While the magnitude of this loss has resonated with people throughout the community, we anticipate it may be particularly difficult for families from the two buildings (Julian Middle School and Oak Park River Forest High School) where the Traczyk children currently attend school,” District 97 officials said in a prepared statement sent Feb. 8 to parents and guardians.
“There are also family services available through local agencies such as Thrive Counseling Center, Pillars and the Oak Park Township.”
William Beye Elementary School Principal Jonathan Ellwanger sent a similar message to parents at his school. Traczyk’s three children, ages 16, 14 and 12 attended Beye, and he served on the PTO there.