Gustave Kaplan Obituary

Gustave Kaplan

Services for Gustave Kaplan will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, February 13, 2011, at B'Nai Israel Traditional Synagogue (1907 Vance Ave., Alexandria) with Dr. Meyer Kaplan officiating. Interment will be in the Jewish Cemetery (Hwy 28 East, Pineville) under the direction of John Kramer & Son. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. Sunday at John Kramer & Son and from 12:30 p.m. Sunday until the time of service at B'Nai Israel.

Gustave Kaplan, 91, of Alexandria, died February 11, 2011 in Alexandria.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lena and Meyer Kaplan, two brothers, Nathan Kaplan and Dr. Bernard Kaplan, one daughter, Marcia Kaplan Kantrow and one grandson, Michael Brandon Kaplan.

Gustave Kaplan is survived by his wife, Zelda Carch Kaplan of Alexandria, one son, Sidney Kaplan of Las Vegas, Nevada, two daughters, Rosalyn Kaplan Sommers and husband Walter of Atlanta, GA and Linda Kaplan of Alexandria, Son in law Byron Kantrow of Baton Rouge, Beth Kaplan of Houston, Betty Kaplan Greenberg and husband Sheldon of Beaumont, Texas, sister in law Jean Kaplan of Alexandria, eight grandchildren, Josh Kantrow and wife Barbara of Chicago, David Kantrow of Baton Rouge, Miriam Kantrow DelRio and husband Randy of Baton Rouge, Jennifer Kaplan Rubenstein and husband, Brandon of Seattle, Dr. Jason Kaplan and wife Lianne of Austin, Texas, Jonathan Sommers and wife Kate, Erika Sommers and Michelle Sommers all of Atlanta, Georgia; six great grandchildren Marcia, Eli and Leo Kantrow all of Chicago and Kaplan, Parks and Reed McMains all of Baton Rouge and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to B'Nai Israel Traditional Synagogue, mailing address 100 Park Place Dr. Alexandria, LA 71301 or the charity of the donor's choice.

Pallbearers - Josh Kantrow, David Kantrow, Jason Kaplan, Jonathan Sommers, Byron Kantrow, Walter Sommers

Online notes of condolence may be sent to the family at [email protected].

Published by The Town Talk on Feb. 13, 2011.
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Memories and Condolences
for Gustave Kaplan

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It has been 9 years since Gus Kaplan left this earth. Ironically his name has come up in several "online posts" on social media. I work at his store in the early 80's, learned so much, he and the rest of employees were so kind and nice. How I wish we had more Gus Kaplan's today, the man and the store. I feel privileged to say I worked there and for an amazing family.

Brenda Durham

Acquaintance

August 11, 2020

Mr. Kaplan gave me my first job...at Wellan's...when I was 15 years old...back in 1958. I will always remember him as a kind and sweet gentleman. His daughter, Marcia, was in my high school class at Bolton. She was a lovely young lady...such a sweet girl...just like her Dad. My condolences to his family.

Barbara Bagley Bryan

February 18, 2011

To Zelda, Sydney and the entire Kaplan Family,
For as much as Gus Kaplan was a distinquished human being and had accomplished much in his lifetime, one could readily see him listed as an extraordinary and famous person in Central Louisiana history. He not only inspired, encouraged, and gave many people opportunities in their lives, but he also lost no time being very innovative, ambitious,competitive, and successful. What a great tribute!
My father worked as a carpenter for Gus and Louis during the greatest years of Wellan's Dept. Store. I can remember my dad always speaking highly of your beloved family member. As he lived and set high standards, his example influenced many of whom he was around.
I am quite sure that he shared many stories, offered much wisdom and advice, many ideas; that he told you stories about his earlier years, that he related jokes or anecdotes, so it stands to reason that your Gus Kaplan will live on as you continue his legacy. He will be missed by many people, but never forgotten!

Diana Maillet Gauthier

February 15, 2011

We are so sorry for your loss. We just learned of it. Our prayers are with your family. Mr. Kaplan was a very kind man.

Michael Mixon

February 15, 2011

I worked for Mr. Kaplan for two years after high school while I attended LSUA (1978 - 1980). In all the years that have passed, Mr. Kaplan still ranks as my favorite boss. He combined a gracious sense of humanity with a talented business sense. He took great pains to work around my college schedule. Mr. Kaplan would often inquire about the courses I was taking, and he would remind me of the importance of my progress. I observed Mr. Kaplan giving the same consideration to other co-workers. I remember working hard, not because I was afraid of losing my job, but because I was afraid of letting Mr. Kaplan down. My brief association with Mr. Kaplan has led me to strive for his excellence, humanity, and ethics in my professional life. Thanks Gus!

I'm deeply saddened by this news, and my thoughts and prayers are with the Kaplan family. The USA has lost another WWII vet, and Alexandria has lost one of its favorite sons.

Sean Williams

February 15, 2011

Gus was a special person I'm sure he touched many !! Best wishes to Zelda and the Kaplan Family

Jonathan Goldstein

February 14, 2011

Gus was such a kind person ! I'm sure he touched many.

Jonathan Goldstein

February 14, 2011

Please allow me to extend my deepest sympathies to the Kaplan family. I had the privilege of working with "Mr. Gus" many years ago when I was in radio sales. He was always such a kind and gracious gentleman. Sadly his gentlemanly qualities don't seem to have survived in today's world.

Cindy Carter

February 14, 2011

Mr. Kaplan was a fine and most gracious man who was loved by all those who knew him. Our prayers and condolences to Sidney and the Kaplan family at this time.

Pamela East

February 14, 2011

I am so sorry about Mr. Kaplan's death. My family, parents Leonard and Ruth Levy and sister Lynette, and I truly admired him. We always looked forward to his welcoming smile and his kind words. He will be missed by so many people. My sincere sympathy to his family.

Suzanne Levy

February 14, 2011

My thoughts and prayers will be with your family. Mr Kaplan was resposible for my family moving from New Orleans to Alexandria where my father, Mark Rabalais, worked with him for years at Wellan's. I have very fond memories of Mr. Kaplan. He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed. My condolences to the entire family.

Jeanne Rabalais Mathews

Jeanne Mathews

February 14, 2011

My thoughs and prayers are with you Mrs. Kaplan and Sidney. I have many wonderful memories working with Mr. Kaplan when I managed the womens shoe and handbag department. One of my favorite memories is when I showed up at work one morning and a Mercedes Covertible was parked in my shoe department with mink coats displayed on the hood. Mr. Kaplan told me it was the best display the shoe department ever had. What a wonderful man he was and most of all a gentlemen. I will miss him.

Ken Morrison

Ken Morrison

February 14, 2011

Dear Sidney, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Ginny Rae Thomas Cranford

February 14, 2011

Jim and Teresa Boren

February 14, 2011

I met Mr. Kaplan when I was about 5 years old. My grandmother worked in the ladies alterations for YEARS at Wellan's. She went to Mr. Kaplan's new store until she retired. Mr. Gus was a true southern gentleman. He was poised, well spoken, VERY kind and a very astute businessman. I went to Bolton with Roslyn, dated Sidney and even played with Linda when she would come to Wellan's. (I also worked at Wellan's). Mrs. Zelda was always so sweet to me.
Alexandria has lost one of it's finest community leaders. We all need to try to follow Mr. Gus's examples.
My deepest sympathies to his entire family.

Dona Armand Monroe

February 14, 2011

Gus Kaplan provided me with my first employment in Alexandria. I worked in the alterations department in the early 70s. I enjoyed very much working with Mr. Kaplan. Our condolences to all who loved him. God Bless.

Jean Lasyone Smith

February 13, 2011

God has another angel. Mr. Kaplan and Sidney I knew when I lived in Alex. some 20+ years ago. The kindest and nicest people around. There was not one Sat. that my friend's and I were not in the store. :) My deepest sympathy to all of the Kaplan family.
The end of an era.

Rachel Johnson-Tarbox

February 13, 2011

The children of David and Terry Lambdin send our love to the Kaplan family during this time of sorrow.
Melonie Lambdin Norton

February 13, 2011

Pam Deville Thornell

February 13, 2011

Zelda, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I know that you will miss your partner and soul mate as will your family and may God be with you all through this time. I miss all of my Book Club friends.

Lois and Ron Grant
Bristol, Rhode Island.

February 13, 2011

One of the most wonderful men I have ever had the privilege of knowing and working for. Me and my cousin, Rosalyn Wood, worked in the office at Gus Kaplan. First job I had in Alexandria. My heartfelt condolences to his family. He will me missed.

Catherine Gorum

February 13, 2011

i know God has a place for you in heaven, you were a very fine man, my condolences goes out for your family, and prayers for you and family. especialy Linda.

Tommy Lachney

February 13, 2011

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