Jean Elizabeth Roberts Kaplan 74, of Owatonna, MN passed away on February 23, 2010 after a valiant battle with breast cancer. Survived by devoted husband of 54 years and friend, Kennard Kaplan and 4 daughters; Lisa Ortiz, Tamera Kaplan, Krista (Bill Burleigh) Kaplan and Jean (Denis) Thornton and 7 grandchildren (Jean, Robert, Alida, Monica, Jesse, Christopher and Alex). In addition to many loved nieces, nephews and cousins, Jean also leaves behind her sister, Mary O. (Jim) Horn and brother, Charles (Kathy) Roberts. Jean is predeceased by her father, Dr. Oliver Roberts, her mother Mrs. Mary Roberts and her sister Blanche Crain. She graduated from OHS in 1954 and from the University of Minnesota in 1956 with a degree in Dental Hygiene. Jean married Kennard Kaplan in November of 1955 and to the end loved him for his sense of adventure and great capacity for fun. Jean was a long-time member of the Associated Church and sang in the choir for many years. She was also active in the Owatonna Woman's Club serving as President in the early years. In the early 60's, Jean earned her private pilot''s license and served as a co-pilot to her husband, Ken. Jean was an early member of the Owatonna Little Theatre Group appearing in several productions. She was an avid golfer and was a long time member of the Owatonna Country Club. She played golf in Owatonna and Florida as well as in Spain, Portugal, Hawaii and Scotland with friends. Skiing was another life-long joy which Jean shared with her children, grand-children and friends both in the US and abroad. Jean will be especially remembered for her love of and commitment to her ice skating. She founded the Owatonna Figure Skating club and was instrumental in giving youngsters the opportunity to learn to skate. She skated in ice-dancing productions in Minneapolis and Rochester. For decades, Jean was active in several bridge groups and book clubs and in more recent years the Red Hat society as well. She played the piano and violin. Jean loved her daughters and their friends. The slumber parties, Girl Scout camp-outs, skating gatherings on the river, picnics at Mineral Springs and her attendance at an untold number of athletic, musical and dance events to cheer on her girls and their friends are cherished and treasured memories held by dozens. Fifteen years ago, Jean was involved in a tragic airplane accident which left her a paraplegic. Not to be deterred, she continued playing the violin and piano, driving, swimming, horseback riding, and even snorkeling in the open ocean. Visitation will be held Thursday February 25, 2010 from 4-8 pm at Michaelson Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral service will be Friday February 26, 2010 at 3 PM at Associated Church with the Reverend Ronald D. Wilson officiating. Burial be in the Bohemian National Cemetery. Memorials may be made in Jean''s honor to the Owatonna Foundation, P.O. Box 642, Owatonna, MN or to Planned Parenthood an organization to which Jean was committed. Visitation: 02/25/2010 16:00 02/25/2010 20:00 Service: ato nd one hour prior the service at the church. 02/26/2010 15:00