Family remembers boy who vanished 27 years ago

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (KTRK) -- Jacob Wetterling went missing 27 years ago. His face is one you've likely seen.

Now after nearly three decades after his death, Wetterling's family was able to say goodbye Sunday in a memorial service and celebration of his life.

See also: Man admits abducting, killing Minnesota boy

More than 3,600 people came to hear the words and memories of Jacob's family, who shared home movies and stories of the boy's caring heart.

His sister, Amy Wetterling, was only 13 when Jacob, the middle child, went missing. She says she was in need of friends then, and especially now after learning details of the 11-year-old's death in 1989.

Jacob's mother, Patty Wetterling, offered a word of support to parents of missing children.

"Every parent who is out there searching, we are still with you," Patty Wetterling says. "Every child who has had the courage to come forward to report their own abuse, every prayer, every candle lit, every flower, every porchlight, every hug, every kind note, each and every one has provided us with the courage to move forward."

Danny Heinrich, a Minnesota man charged on child pornography charges, allegedly admitted in August to killing Jacob Wetterling.

Police say Heinrich was able to lead officers to the boy's remains. He allegedly told police he abdulcted Jacob near the boy's home on October 22, 1989.

Authorities named Heinrich as a person of interest last October when they announced the child pornography charges.