What state is my uncle in since he was buried in June 2009 and what about everyone else who died in my family?

My uncle passed on May 30th,2009 in the hospital and his funeral was on the 5th of June of 2009 and I myself was one of the pall bearers that asisted in carrying his powder sky blue casket. Anyway all through his funeral service I stared at the casket wondering where is HE at,I know where the physical he is going(in the cemetery grounds) but where is he and everyone else who died in my family. I have heard that when we view the body in the casket that person who left their body is in heaven all ready. I have also heard about people who are alive and loved ones of theirs have visited them. I do not know what to believe.