Thanks so much, David; thanks everybody here.  I thought of you all during Dan's funeral; you were certainly there in spirit, and I needed that, believe me.

Dr. Dan Mark Jacobson was laid to rest yesterday in Marshfield, WI, amongst his family, friends and loved ones.  It was a sad, but beautiful memorial service.  There were even some moments of laughter, recalling some scenes from Dan's life.  His wife had a pictorial essay posted, just outside the sanctuary with photos of Dan through various stages of his life, from childhood on..even family photos during the time of his illness (chemotherapy effects and all...with Dan still smiling mightily and hugging his wife an kids).  Many fine eulogies were offered, by his family, friend,and colleagues. 

The ceremony was held at a Presbyterian church, even though Dan was Jewish, because there is no synagogue in Marshfield.  But it was a Jewish service nonetheless.  The church was packed, and I had trouble finding parking, the lot was so full.   All the flags were at half mast in Marshfield that day, because Dan was so loved by the community there, and such a well respected physician.  

For those of you who may not know, a Jewish burial includes an actual internment, where, at graveside, after appropriate prayers, the coffin is lowered partially into the ground, and earth is laid first by family, then friends (anyone who wishes to do so, is able, after the immediate family); the earth is tossed with the backside of the shovel, to symbolize the incompleteness of the act, and that perhaps it is not final. 

One of Dan's close colleagues, who offered a beautiful eulogy, said Dan had a plaque on his office wall, which said the following,  I think letting us all know just how wonderful Dan's spiritual evolution had gone (I don't know where Dan found this, or if he wrote it himself, but I found it so moving, I offer it here):

"Since my house burned down,

I now own, the finest view,

Of the rising moon,

Over the green mountain".

Dan, Sleep well, sweet angel.

Gene