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Minneapolis Business Owner Remembered After Shooting

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minneapolis business owner who was shot and killed in the massacre last Thursday was remembered Sunday for his sincere generosity and his devotion to his family.

Reuven Rahamim's funeral service happened at his synagogue in St. Louis Park. Several hundred people came to Beth El Synagogue to console his family.

The ceremony focused on his good works, not the massacre where he died at his Bryn Mawr business, Accent Signage Systems. Family and friends celebrated Rahamim's life -- a person of compassion, kindness and love.

"We never imagined we'd be here now. It feels like a nightmare. When will we wake up," said Rabbi Alexander Davis.

Rahamim loved his work. He immigrated to America, unable to speak English, and built his company from the ground up starting in the basement of his Bryn Mawr home. His children said Accent was like his fourth child.

But when it came to family, his daughter said nothing was more important.

"My father was a proud Jew, proud Israeli and proud father," Rahamim's son, Sami, said during the service.

The Rabbi took it further, saying, "Nothing made him happier than being a father and developing a relationship with his children."

Rahamim would take Wednesday mornings off to spend time with his grandchildren. He'd play legos with them and take them to a local market.

"What I can only say is that his memory will be an inspiration for everybody," said Elliot Miller, a friend who came to the service.

Friends and family feel a deep emptiness now. The signs Rahamim's company made -- helping people find their way or learn a new direction -- said it all.

"It was such a symbol for what he stood for. He wanted to help people go forward. He was such a generous and loving person," said Judith Ingber, a friend who came to the service.

Rahamim will be buried in Israel. That's what he wanted, because he considered it his home still. During the ceremony, his daughter thanked everyone for their prayers and support.

Rahamim was at the top of the world. His family loved him, and he adored his grandchildren. Business was good, and Rahamim was happy. This is why his death is so tough to take.

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