Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home

Carol G. Tedesco, 82 of Estero, FL passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 19, 2023. Formerly of Bristol, CT she had been an Estero resident since 2005. She was born May 2, 1941 in Bristol, CT the daughter of the late William and Cecile (Michaud) Gallant. Carol earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education at Central Connecticut State College. Mrs. Tedesco worked as a teacher for a short time before raising her family. Carol was an avid golfer and member of Spring Run Golf Club in Estero and the Bristol Boys and Girls Club Ladies Auxiliary. She also enjoyed playing bridge, cooking and baking as well as making ceramics. Survivors include her high school sweetheart and...

Barbara Ziegler Commerce (Sandmann) of Bonita Springs, Florida (formerly of: Lancaster, PA, Grand Island, NE) died on November 8, 2023 after a brief illness. She is survived by her husband: Robert E. Commerce, her sons and their spouses: Stephen (Norma) Ziegler and William (Elizabeth) Ziegler II, and step-children Ryan (Nancy) Commerce and Whitney (Bo) Beard. As well as her siblings Nancy (George) Hammond, and her brother Michael (Ann) Sandmann. In addition, her nieces: Debbie Hammond and Julie Hoff and nephews: Jeff Hammond, Chris Sandmann, and Scott Sandmann. She was preceded in death by her first husband, William F. Ziegler, her son Michael Ziegler and her brother Phillip Sandmann....

Throughout his 10 month battle with AML, John kept notes as to what he wanted to include in his obituary. He asked that I 'tweak' it and tweak I did. S. John May passed away peacefully in his home (just as he wanted) on October 21, 2023. His wife of over 20 years, Cathy-Lynn and #2 son were at his side. The day he began home Hospice care, all four sons flew in and stayed with him for an entire week. The banter, laughter and love created memories we will all cherish forever. The trip to the beach, cribbage tournaments, cocktail hour, watching football and My Fair Lady; John loved every single moment of having "My Boys" around him. In the words of his Aunt Maggie, John was born "the 4th...

Julie Mae Larson, 63, of Estero, FL and formerly Edinboro, PA, moved onto higher ground on October 20, 2023, after a fiercely fought battle with metastatic ovarian cancer. To read her full obituary, please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com.

Thomas J. Donnelly, (R) CTA, Superintendent Bus Garages, died Sept. 20, 2023, Bonita Springs, FL He is survived wife of 60 years, Catherine; sons, Thomas (Renee), Michael (Michelle- sig other); Grandchildren, Aidan, Claire, Ryan, and Shane, sister Noreen Bennett. Also many Nieces, Nephews, friends. Services Private. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated Since 1978

Carolyn M. Peet, formerly of Indianapolis passed away on September 19, 2023, at her residence in Bonita Springs, FL. She is survived by her husband, William E. Peet, and her four children, Debra, Barb, Doug, and John. Carolyn was a member of the First Friends Meeting. She was a graduate of Butler University and taught at Ben Davis High School. She was a longtime leader of a Girl Scout Troop and a member of the Boys Club Auxiliary and the Indianapolis Dental Auxiliary. Private services were held by her family.

Catherine M. Kennedy, age 92, passed away September 11, 2023 at the Bentley Village Care Center. Mrs. Kennedy is survived by her husband, Anthony R. Kennedy; son, Robert S. Kennedy, of Pittsburgh; and sister, Evelyn Sciulli, of Irwin, PA. A native of Pittsburgh, Kate attended the University of Pittsburgh. She retired after 42 years of service with MSA Safety as Manager, Human Resources. Kate and her husband began their second careers by founding Kennedy's Classics, an antique and collectibles shop in Ocean View, DE. The Kennedys retired to Village Walk of Bonita Springs before moving to Vi at Bentley Village. They are members of St. Mary's Episcopal Church and the Genealogical Society of...

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Martin "Marty" Norville, 83, a cherished father, grandfather, brother and friend. Marty passed away peacefully on September 9, 2023 surrounded by family. Marty was born in Chicago, Illinois on June 18, 1940 to the late Peter and Adele Norville. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his beloved wife Carole, brother Jim and sister Barbara. Loving father of Michael (Joann), Mark (Julie), and Sandi Schaeffer (Bob); dearest grandfather of Victoria, Johnathan, Sarah, Olivia, Carly and Samantha. Cherished brother of Elaine Hoyne (late Raymond), Allan (late Alfie) Marty is also survived by his former wife Margaret Norville...

On September 6, 2023 George Matthew Van Istendal, Sr., passed away peacefully in Naples, FL. An extraordinary, loving husband, devoted father, super poppy to six amazing grandchildren, Jenny, Liam, George Matthew III, Matt Charles, Aidan and Sydney, and friend of so many, is survived by his three children, Lisa Narozanick (Bill), George Jr. (Pamela), and Glen (Nancy). We would like to share some cute stories about George because we hope they make you feel as good as they do us. Born to Matthew F. Van Istendal, Jr. and Georgianna Mclean Shute, January 24, 1933, George was raised in the Southern NJ, town of Collingswood. George grew up with a wonderful, loving family of aunts, uncles and...

On September 6, 2023 George Matthew Van Istendal, Sr., passed away peacefully in Naples, FL. An extraordinary, loving husband, devoted father, super poppy to six amazing grandchildren, Jenny, Liam, George Matthew III, Matt Charles, Aidan and Sydney, and friend of so many, is survived by his three children, Lisa Narozanick (Bill), George Jr. (Pamela), and Glen (Nancy). We would like to share some cute stories about George because we hope they make you feel as good as they do us. Born to Matthew F. Van Istendal, Jr. and Georgianna Mclean Shute, January 24, 1933, George was raised in the Southern NJ, town of Collingswood. George grew up with a wonderful, loving family of aunts, uncles and...

Thomas G. Helm 84, of Estero, FL, and former resident of Pittsburgh, PA died on September 3, 2023. He was born on October 26, 1938, in Monongahela, PA son of the late Thomas and Mary (Gregor) Helm. He had been a winter resident of Estero since 2001 and became a permanent resident in 2016. After graduating high school, Tom attended Penn Technical School for electrical engineering. He then worked for General Electric for the next 35 years, retiring in 2001. His office was located in Pittsburgh, but his territory covered the eastern United States. He was a member of Our Lady of Light Catholic Community in Estero and the Elks Lodge. He was a former member of St. Germain Bowling League for 37...

William Seely Smith, 79, of Estero, Florida passed away on August 26, 2023 after a valiant battle with Frontotemporal Dementia. Bill was born on June 30, 1944 to the late William "Seely" and Betty (Love) Smith. After graduating from Findlay High School with honors in 1962, he then attended the University of Detroit for a year, before completing his undergraduate studies at Miami University with a BA in economics. He attended The Ohio State University until he joined Marathon Oil Company in Findlay, Ohio. While working at Marathon he earned his MBA at Bowling Green State University. When Marathon and US Steel corporation merged, Bill moved to Pittsburgh with his family directing the Risk...

William Seely Smith, 79, of Estero, Florida passed away on August 26, 2023 after a valiant battle with Frontotemporal Dementia. Bill was born on June 30, 1944 to the late William "Seely" and Betty (Love) Smith. After graduating from Findlay High School with honors in 1962, he then attended the University of Detroit for a year, before completing his undergraduate studies at Miami University with a BA in economics. He attended The Ohio State University until he joined Marathon Oil Company in Findlay, Ohio. While working at Marathon he earned his MBA at Bowling Green State University. When Marathon and US Steel corporation merged, Bill moved to Pittsburgh with his family directing the Risk...

William Seely Smith, 79, of Estero, Florida passed away on August 26, 2023 after a valiant battle with Frontotemporal Dementia. Bill was born on June 30, 1944 to the late William "Seely" and Betty (Love) Smith. After graduating from Findlay High School with honors in 1962, he then attended the University of Detroit for a year, before completing his undergraduate studies at Miami University with a BA in economics. He attended The Ohio State University until he joined Marathon Oil Company in Findlay, Ohio. While working at Marathon he earned his MBA at Bowling Green State University. When Marathon and US Steel corporation merged, Bill moved to Pittsburgh with his family directing the Risk...

We are saddened to announce that Sally Lee Gegenheimer, 90, passed away suddenly on Thursday, August 24, 2023. We have been so blessed to have our mom in our corner--a beautiful confidante and wise adviser. We can still picture her as a lively, lovely young girl and 1950 Miss Clawson who told a waiting date that "No" she couldn't go out with him that night. Instead, she headed down to the end of the soda fountain counter where she was working to tell Eldred Gegenheimer that she was available for a date after all. That date marked the beginning of a love that would go on to last a lifetime. That intelligent, smart, scrappy, caring, funny young woman went on to not only marry Eldred but...

We are saddened to announce that Sally Lee Gegenheimer, 90, passed away suddenly on Thursday, August 24, 2023. We have been so blessed to have our mom in our corner--a beautiful confidante and wise adviser. We can still picture her as a lively, lovely young girl and 1950 Miss Clawson who told a waiting date that "No" she couldn't go out with him that night. Instead, she headed down to the end of the soda fountain counter where she was working to tell Eldred Gegenheimer that she was available for a date after all. That date marked the beginning of a love that would go on to last a lifetime. That intelligent, smart, scrappy, caring, funny young woman went on to not only marry Eldred but...

James W. Ebersoldt 79, of Estero, FL and a former resident of Glen Carbon, IL, died on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, after an extended illness. He was born on June 25, 1944, in Granite City, IL, a son of the late William M. and Irene B. (Loescher) Ebersoldt. Jim had been a winter resident of Bonita Springs since 2004 and became a permanent resident in 2019. He was a graduate of Venice High School in Venice, IL. In 1965, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served a two-year term. He was a very proud veteran. Soon after returning from service, Jim began his career with the Union Electric Company, Sioux Plant (now Ameren UE) in West Alton, MO. He spent his entire career with Union Electric and...

Lynne Reed Foster of Ft. Myers, FL, and Fayetteville, NY passed away on August 14 in Naples Florida. She was born February 3, 1944 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to parents Virginia and Leon Reed. Lynne grew up in Little Rock, AR and attended Mount St. Mary's High School, the University of Dallas, and graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Medical Technology. Lynne was a devoted sister, mother, and wife. She loved traveling, gardening, and interior design as well as spending time with her five grandchildren. She was a kind and creative soul as well as a talented seamstress and formed a business, Little Brook, in which she designed, crafted, and sold dolls. She was also a member...

W. Bruce Achenbach passed away peacefully, after a long illness, on August 12, 2023, in Naples, Florida. Bruce's death, at age (74), was preceded by his father, Walter Achenbach, of Naples, Florida; brother, Jay Achenbach, both in 2016; and his mother, Jean Achenbach, of Naples, Florida in 2021. He is survived by his brother, Brian Achenbach and his wife Younghie, of Claremont California; his sister-in-law, Julie Achenbach and nephew, Kyler Achenbach, both of Naples, Florida; and niece, Kendra Achenbach-Warner of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Bruce was born in Columbus, Ohio, spending his childhood years there, in Toledo, Ohio, and Vineland, New Jersey. He obtained both his BS and MBA degrees at...

Douglas L. Meyer, 61, of Fort Myers, FL, died on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at his residence in FL. Doug was born on January 18, 1962, in McHenry, IL, a son of the late Alan M. and Rosemarie (Lord) Meyer. He was Managing Director for Fitch Ratings from 2001 until his retirement in 2022. He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Karla A. Meyer, two sons, one daughter, and four brothers. Services for Doug will be held Wed Aug 16, 2023, 4 PM-7 PM at the Kemper Country Club, 24000 N. Old McHenry Rd., Kildeer, IL. To view his full and entire obituary please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com

John Lloyd Ufheil, Jack to those who loved him, passed away at 89 surrounded by family on August 5, 2023. Born in Pekin, Illinois, on September 3, 1933 and baptized in the Holy Spirit, Jack was the beloved son of Leora Flathers Ufheil and Albert Adolf Ufheil. Jack served in the US Army Corps of Engineers from 1953 until he was honorably discharged in 1955. He went on to graduate from Bradley University with a BS in Engineering in 1958, was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon, and was later named a member of the Centurion Society. Happily married to Rosemary Margaret Sell in 1958, he and his wife made a great team for 65 years. Together they traveled the world, resided with their...