This blog entry has nothing to do with politics. Although this was going to be a busy weekend of campaigning for me, my schedule was quickly changed. My brother-in-law, Dan Bissen of Austin, Minnesota died on Tuesday this week at age 51. His wake was last night (Friday) and the Funeral was today. Dan had brain cancer and fought the illness for almost 3 years. A pretty remarkable struggle.
Most who read this entry didn’t know Dan. But, Dan and his family were very special people. About 6 months ago, the Austin High School music department held a benefit concert for Dan and his family. The Paramount theater was overflowing and people had to be turned away. The same thing happened today for his funeral. People were standing in the aisles and the church was overflowing. Everyone shed a tear when the trombonist played “Danny Boy” during the service. Why was Dan Bissen so special that a community loved him and his family this much?
Well, Dan was a TV and appliance dealer in Austin for many years. He did meet a lot of people. He was always happy. Several people told me that if he ever wanted to run for mayor, or the legislature, he would have won handily. But, Dan was interested in other things than politics.
Dan always gave the extra effort to help people. He would often give a stove or used refrigerator to a family who was hurting for money. He was a great musician himself - Austin’s favorite tenor. The Bissen family singers sang at many funerals, weddings and concerts them selves, and beloved in the Austin community. Everyone in the area heard the news quickly when Dan got cancer three years ago. Last year, Dan was the Honorary Co-Chairman of the Mower County Relay for Life, which raises money for cancer research. I remember him telling people how blessed he considered himself, because God had given him so much in life.
But, today we heard mostly about his deep faith and his sense of humor. The first time I ever met Dan (he was dating Marilynn’s sister Margo), he came to our house in Northfield, wearing a Groucho Marx mask. Dan loved his wife, Bobby Dylan, fishing, drawing, the Vikings, his kids’ wrestling, football, and softball games, and the Bissen TV and Appliance Store. He had just expanded the appliance store about 5 years ago. It was hard to liquidate everything and give up the lease to the store. But, it had to be done before he died. About two months ago, Dan went out to collect “receivables” with another of our brothers-in-law. He collected about $100, smiled and said, “now we have money for lunch”.
Most importantly, Dan showed everyone how death is truly a part of life. He accepted his inevitable death with dignity and even good humor. He was an example for everyone who had the privilege of caring for him this last year. I’ll miss him. He was one of the “Band of 6″, the six men (friends and brothers-in-law) who all married into the Hamilton family. We all knew that Grandma Hamilton loved him the best, but he earned it !
Death is painful for family members who lose loved ones, and we have shed many tears this weekend. But, having people like Dan Bissen in my life, makes me a better person and puts everything else I do into perspective. Dan is in Heaven tonight. Probably singing and trying to send messages back to his wife Margo and the kids. God Bless you Dan. We won’t forget you.