By Rich Larson
Two years after Tonya Yarmakov disappeared during a family vacation in northern Minnesota, her family is inviting the Northfield community to gather in her remembrance and help keep attention on her case.
The event will be held this Sunday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Sibley Swale Park, off Prairie Street, where a memorial tree has been planted for Tonya.
Tonya was 23 when she disappeared in September 2024 at Savanna Portage State Park, a place her family had visited for years. Her mother, Michelle Yarmakov, said Tonya was a “chatterbox” and a “social butterfly” who loved talking with people, despite having autism.
Michelle said Tonya was sitting on a dock while family members rowed nearby. They saw her get up and run toward the park road and woods. The family returned to the dock within minutes, but could not find her.
An extensive search involving people on the ground, drones and dogs found no trace of Tonya, Michelle said. She believes someone took her daughter, but acknowledged that law enforcement has not established evidence of an abduction. Tonya remains missing.
For Michelle, Sunday’s gathering is a chance to remember her daughter and remind people that her family is still looking for answers. The Yarmakov family is asking for community support, to talk about her, and how important it is that Tonya be found and brought home.
The Northfield group Art Makers will perform, and Allison Fay, director of the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center, will speak. Michelle’s brother will also speak on behalf of the family. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs.
The family will offer yellow ribbons for people to tie around trees as a sign of support. Michelle also hopes people will share Tonya’s story and any information that could help locate her.
Michelle said her family is advocating for a state-level missing persons office and greater safety in Minnesota state parks. But on Sunday, she hopes Northfield residents will begin by showing up for Tonya and her family.
More information is available through the Find Tonya Now Facebook page and at findtonyanow.com.
Rich Larson is the owner and General Manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
