Steve Jobs' funeral shrouded in secrecy

CUPERTINO, Calif., Oct. 8 (UPI) -- The funeral for Steve Jobs, Apple's Inc.'s co-founder, was a small, private gathering Friday, The Wall Street Journal reported.

The Journal reported a person familiar with the funeral would not say where it took place out of respect for Jobs and his family's privacy.

Apple has said no public services are planned for Jobs. But Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook said in a letter to employees the company is planning a "celebration of Steve's extraordinary life" for staff.

Jobs, who died Wednesday of an undisclosed illness at the age of 56, had battled pancreatic cancer and received a liver transplant in 2009. He stepped down as Apple's chief executive in August.

ABC News, quoting an unidentified source, also reported the funeral was Friday, but the report did not include the time or location of the service.

A statement from Jobs' family Wednesday evening said he "died peacefully today surrounded by his family."

"We are grateful for the support and kindness of those who share our feelings for Steve," the statement said. "We know many of you will mourn with us, and we ask that you respect our privacy during our time of grief."

Apple paid tribute to Jobs on its Web site and encouraged people to share thoughts, memories and condolences through an e-mail address on the site.