Page created by: Dr. Gerald Kaplan's Children

It is with great honor and commemoration that the family of Dr. Gerald Kaplan mourn his passing on September 28th, 2020, at the age of 84 after battling Parkinson’s for many years. Dr. Kaplan's life can best be remembered by his many accomplishments and incredible love for his Family, especially his children (Steve, Brendi, Nanci, Mark and Michelle) and grandchildren (Ryan, Madison, Alexander, Zachary, Samantha, Nicholas, Emily, Lucy and Margo). He was married twice (Ila Barinholtz and Clara Lourdes Kaplan).

Dr. Kaplan served his country for 6 years in the US Army, spending nearly 2 years in the Vietnam War as a Captain and Battalion Surgeon in a MASH unit before being honorably discharged from US Army in 1966. He came away from that experience concluding that war is no way to settle differences and dedicated his career and personal life to helping others. Dr. Kaplan finished his Surgical residency at the Hines VA hospital in Chicago in 1970. He went on to build a successful surgery practice. Together with his partner, Nancy Diettrich MD, was the first surgery team to bring Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery to Illinois Masonic. He then went on to became Chief of Same Day Surgery at Illinois Masonic. Dr. Kaplan was an inspiration to his family, friends and community. He inspired countless people to pursue careers in medicine and other fields where they could positively impact the lives of others. The respect he garnered in the medical community by patients and colleagues were a reflection of his kindness, generosity and compassion. While achieving so much during his life, he was never comfortable with praise and preferred to downplay his brilliance and success.

Dr. Kaplan was also a sports enthusiast, especially from his hometown Chicago Bears, Bulls and White Sox. Jerry was former physician to the US Boxing Team and even filled in a few times as the physician for the Chicago Blackhawks. He also participated as a volunteer physician on several medical missions in Ghana where he performed surgeries and provided supplies. Dr. Gerald Kaplan will be missed dearly and remembered for his unconditional love for his Family; his kindness, compassion and generosity to others.