Missing Elmhurst couple found safe

An elderly couple from Elmhurst who went missing Friday have been found safe downstate, police said Sunday.

Vernon and Elaine Schweisthal, ages 89 and 85, were found about 11 a.m. in Bureau County, about 100 miles from their home, according to police.

A passing motorist noticed their car near a side road leading into a high corn field in Princeton about 10:30 a.m. and called Bureau County sheriff’s officials, according to a news release. The couple appeared to be suffering from dehydration and were transported to a hospital.

The couple may have gotten lost, but their car also was inoperable and had a dead battery, police said.

The Schweisthals had last been seen Friday morning and were reportedly on their way to Mount Prospect to meet friends for lunch, according to a Facebook page set up by family while the couple were missing.