Jerome Kaplan M.D.

Dr. Jerome Kaplan, age 91. Beloved husband for 60 wonderful years of the late Reena Kaplan, loving father of Matthew and Karen Kaplan, Warren Kaplan, Denise Kaplan, Nancy and Michael Kuppersmith and Eric and Kelly Kaplan; cherished and doting papa of Allison, Alex, Doug, Katie, Josh, Annie, Kevin, Alex and Ryan, proud great grandfather of Haley, Charlie and Ryan; devoted son of the late Kate and Samuel Kaplan and son-in-law of the late Ina and Bennett Harwood; caring brother to the late Marsha and brother-in-law to Gerald Finkle and Janice Usow; adored uncle, cousin and friend to many.

Jerry was born and raised on the west side of Chicago, living with his family in a small apartment behind his parents' grocery store, where he also worked as a child. Jerry attended Marshall High School, where he was an All-City basketball player. For years, Jerry attended annual Marshall Letterman Dinners, reconnecting with his high school friends and reminiscing about the highlights of storied basketball games. Jerry graduated from college and medical school at the University of Illinois at Navy Pier. During medical school, he met Reena, the love of his life. After serving as an air force doctor in Columbus Ohio, they raised their young family in Boston, Massachusetts where Jerry was a Resident at Boston General Hospital. Following the completion of his service, the family moved to Waukegan, Illinois where Jerry started a urology practice. For more than 30 years, Jerry was a devoted physician and a gifted surgeon on staff at Victory Memorial Hospital, Condell Hospital and Lake Forest Hospital. He had a voracious appetite for learning and enjoyed studying great works of literature and philosophy. He retired in 1989 to spend more time with his soulmate, Reena. The couple enjoyed serving Reena's gourmet meals while entertaining friends. They travelled the world together collecting art and antiques. Reena and Jerry loved to attend the opera and movies and listen to classical music. They looked forward to extended winter vacations in Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. More than anything in the world, Jerry loved spending special moments with his family.

The family would like to thank Krystyna Miodynski, Jerry's devoted friend and caregiver, and compassionate caregivers Elizabeth Stankiewicz, Carol Sheets, Gigi Dahonan and Kevin Magtajas. In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for contributions to a charity of your choice. Private service at Shalom Memorial Park.. For additional information or to leave condolences: Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, www.shalom2.com or (847) 255-3520.