Ben Kaplan

Ben Kaplan, age 95, of Rochester, MN passed away Friday, March 15, 2024.

Ben was born December 10, 1928 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of Sidney and Bertha (Lisberg) Kaplan. He graduated from Washington High School in Milwaukee in 1948

He married Sandra Goldman on March 12, 1961 and later welcomed 3 children. He owned the Rochester News Agency, Subway News in the Mayo Clinic and Readmore Bookstore with his brothers.

Ben enjoyed traveling, both domestically and overseas, and having lifelong friends. He loved sitting outside his home on Folwell Lane, smoking a good cigar and visiting with neighbors. He had the gift of being able to talk to anyone. He believed in taking his children on special one-on-one vacations. He loved Rochester and was proud to have spent 76 years here. He was most grateful for time with his family and he and Sandy spent their later years visiting their children around the country. He was charitable for many organizations. He was a long time Shriner, even flying airplanes, and a member of B'nai Brith and the Elk Lodge.

He is survived by his three children, Linda (David Harmon) of Montclair, NJ, Edie Kaplan Davis (Jay) of Danville, CA and Jeff of Seattle, WA, 4 grandchildren, Jacob and Michael Davis; Rachel and Sarah Harmon and many nieces and nephews. He was cared for lovingly by Justine Dalager for the last 4 years.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Milton Kaplan and Hyman Kaplan.

A funeral will be held at B'nai Israel Synagogue Monday, March 18 at 2:00 p.m. If you would like to make a donation, please go to www.bnaiisraelmn.org.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Kaplan family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.