Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home & Crematory

08/22/2026

Shirley Lipman-Wise passed away Sunday, August 16, 2026 in Naples, FL. She was born and raised in London, England and worked for a film production company before moving to New York City in 1961.

Shirley worked in the advertising business in Manhattan and San Francisco for many years and for a management consulting company specializing in advertising and marketing in Manhattan before moving to Naples in 1993 with her husband Edward “Terry” Wise. Terry passed away in 2003.

Shirley was an active tennis player and captained the first women’s USTA competitive team at Tarpon Cove community as well as played recreational tennis at Sterling Oaks community. She had many friendships, and particularly enjoyed Barefoot Beach with her long-time companion, Jack Powell. Shirley loved her Labrador retriever, Sandy.

Shirley is survived by six stepchildren, several step-grandchildren, and nieces and a nephew in England.

Private services were held by the family.

To sign her guest register or to leave online condolences please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com.

Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.

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08/21/2026

William “Bill” Grotevant, of Naples, Florida passed away on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at the age of 98. He was born in Utica, New York to Floyd and Ellen Grotevant as the youngest and longest surviving of five boys.
After attending Utica College and Colgate, he served in the US Airforce from 1946-1948, in the aftermath of WWII. In college and in the Air Force, Bill played clarinet in jazz and dance bands, Glee Clubs, and at golf tournaments. He was an avid golfer and was considered a “scratch” golfer requiring no handicap, able to shoot par or better on any rated course and would often casually mention landing multiple “holes in one” over the years. Bill also enjoyed travel and vacationing in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
His early career included positions with General Electric and Bendix Aviation before founding Utica Concrete Products, Inc. in New Hartford NY. He retired to Florida in the late 1980s, where he enjoyed an active life.
Bill was a member of the 1st Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs, FL where he will be laid to rest in the Resurrection Garden in a ceremony scheduled for September 2nd. He was currently a member of St. John the Evangelist Church in Naples, FL for 26 years.
He is survived by four children from his first marriage to Winifred Roberts Grotevant: William Grotevant (Patti) of Sandwich, MA, Mark Grotevant (Sharon), of New Rochelle, NY, Nancy DeGirolamo of Whitman, MA and Amy Sharon (John) of Hillsborough,...

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08/20/2026

Robert E. “Bob” Haug, 97, of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away peacefully at his residence on Sunday, August 16, 2026, following a brief illness.

Robert was born on January 21, 1929, in Emmett, Kansas, a son of the late August B. and Blanche B. (née Becker) Haug. The last surviving of their 14 children, Robert’s passing marks the close of a generation of the Haug family.

Near the end of World War II, Robert enlisted in the United States Navy. Following his period of service, he was honorably discharged as the Navy reduced its forces with servicemen returning home from the war. He then began a career in Civil Service at Muroc Air Force Base in California.

It was there, in May 1947, that Robert met the love of his life, Janet. The couple married on July 12, 1947, beginning a devoted marriage that would span more than 64 years until Janet’s passing in 2011.

Bob had a lifelong love of aviation. He took flying lessons and earned his pilot’s license, turning his passion for flight into an important part of his life and, eventually, his career. In 1950, he joined the Army National Guard, continuing his commitment to service.

In July 1958, Bob began training with the Federal Aviation Administration to become an air traffic controller. After completing his training, his career took him and his family to communities throughout the country, including Kansas City, Missouri; Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan; Goodland, Kansas; Anchorage, Alaska; Russell, Kansas;...

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08/19/2026

Landen Collins
September 18, 2006 – August 15, 2026

Some people leave footprints on your heart. Landen Collins left them everywhere.

Landen passed away on August 15, 2026, at the age of 19, leaving behind a family, a community, and countless friends who were blessed to know a young man whose kindness, character, and presence could brighten any room. Though his time here was far too short, his impact was immeasurable.

Raised in a family active in their church and grounded in faith, Landen lived in a way that reflected the values he was taught: love your neighbor, help those in need, and treat everyone with kindness. In his final days, he shared a simple but beautiful hope "I hope I make the sky pretty for you." Those words now carry a profound comfort for all who loved him. Every sunrise and sunset will forever serve as a reminder of the love he carried for those closest to him.

Landen graduated with honors from Bonita Springs High School and attended Florida Gulf Coast University. He was an exceptional student and someone who approached life with determination and curiosity. Whether in the classroom, at work, or among friends, he earned the respect and admiration of those around him through his integrity, work ethic, and genuine care for others.

Many knew Landen from the soccer field, where he was, in every sense of the word, a tank. He first laced up his cleats at just four years old and continued putting his toe to leather through his...

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08/13/2026

Gene P. Byrd, a loving husband, devoted father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on August 11, 2026, after a brief battle with cancer.

Gene was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and created a life that was grounded in family, service, honesty and hard work. He spent his retirement years between Estes Park, Colorado and Naples, Florida where he touched many lives by his genuine presence. He showed by example his values of patience, directness, thoughtfulness and selfless actions to those he loved and those he didn’t even know.

A Navy veteran, he proudly served his country. He shared his love through generosity, careful advice, showing up to help, his witty sense of humor, and always answering a phone call. Gene, Dad, or Paw Paw, will be remembered for the very best bear hugs, always saying “I love you,” and so many other reasons.

His family will celebrate his amazing life in a private burial at sea, in honor of his wishes.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Avow Hospice www.avowcares.org or a charity that is close to your heart.

To sign his guest register or to leave online condolences please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com.

Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.

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08/13/2026

James Barden Wells, 88, of Bonita Springs, Florida, passed away on August 10, 2026 with his loving daughter by his side.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Caroline Duvall Stoneman Wells, and his parents, John Thomas Wells and Mary Barden Wells of Burgaw, North Carolina. He is survived by his devoted daughter, Mary Robin Wells.

Born in Wilmington, North Carolina, Jim grew up in Burgaw, where he graduated from Burgaw High School. He went on to pursue his college education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating with a BA degree in History. During his college years, he had the distinct pleasure of working in Washington, D.C., alongside his uncle, long-time North Carolina Congressman Graham T. Barden.

Upon graduating from UNC-CH in 1962, Jim joined the United States Air Force, serving his country with pride, honor, and distinction for 20 years. While stationed at Fort Lee in Petersburg, Virginia, he met the love of his life, Caroline Duvall Stoneman, in March. They were married later that year on October 19, 1963, and shared 60 wonderful years together. Jim deeply loved the Air Force and traveling the world; he truly epitomized duty, honor, and country—a genuine officer and a gentleman who held a profound belief in the beauty and strength of American democracy.

Following his retirement from the USAF as a Major, Jim spent another 20 years serving the citizens of the Commonwealth as the Systems Director for the...

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08/13/2026

James W. “Jim” Applegate, Jr., 65, of Estero, FL, passed away on August 3, 2026, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born on September 12, 1960, in Toms River, NJ, a son of the late James W. and Janet Mae (née Dunn) Applegate. He had been a resident of Estero for the past 11 years, having relocated from Pine Beach, NJ.

Following his graduation from high school, Jim proudly served his country for six years in the United States Navy. After completing his military service, he continued his education and earned his bachelor’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University.

In 1988, Jim began his career with the Ocean County Department of Corrections, where he devoted 27 years of service as a corrections officer before retiring in 2015. He also served as a Police Academy instructor and was a member of the Fit 2 Run Club.

Jim was a member of the Toms River Presbyterian Church and was deeply involved in his children’s lives and activities. Over the years, he generously gave his time as a wrestling coach, softball coach, and Cub Scout leader. Whether serving his country, working in his profession, coaching young athletes, or supporting his children, Jim demonstrated a strong commitment to his family and community.

He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Christine Applegate of Estero, FL; his three children, Victor A. Applegate (Darissa) of Bayville, NJ, Garrett T. Applegate (Taylor) of Estero, FL, and Blair A. Mannato...

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08/13/2026

Elkin E. Escobar, 48, of Bonita Springs, FL passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 with his Hunny and his Boo by his side. He loved his little family above all else, so it was God’s plan for him to take his final breath in the comfort of his wife and daughter’s presence. Elkin endured a long fight for healing and better health, and he was finally granted the pain-free eternal rest he deserved. He found comfort in knowing he would be reunited with those he lost over the years, and he was reminded every day how much he was loved and would be missed, and that his legacy would continue.

Elkin’s love and devotion to his family and friends was impossible to overlook. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need and could be counted on in any situation. If you truly knew Elkin, you knew he would bend over backwards for you and did favors without expecting anything in return, but he definitely wouldn’t let you take him for granted! His passion for teaching others the skills he acquired through life experiences was apparent in his work and every day life. He was always learning and teaching himself how to fix and build things and would figure out the impossible every time. He loved problem solving in any situation and loved sharing with others how to do the same.

Elkin’s greatest joy and sense of purpose came from sitting on the bucket. An incredible amount of hours spent with his cherished daughter...

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08/07/2026

Mary Therese Zinn, of Bonita Springs, died peacefully in the hospital early Thursday July 30, 2026. She was surrounded by her husband Tom Albrecht, her three children and her best friend Sherry West.

Mary Therese was born May 17, 1954 in Detroit and grew up on the northwest side of Detroit. She graduated from Mercy High School and attended Eastern Michigan University.

Her parents were Harry Thomas Wright and Della Marie Flaherty. He older brothers were Tom, Bob , Mike and surviving her, Jim. Her late sister was Anne-Marie.

Her beloved children are Stephen (Anna), Jeremy (Veronique) and Katey (Kenji) of Naples. Her treasured grandchildren are Isabelle and Stevie in Michigan, and Zinnny and Hiro of Naples.

Throughout her childhood and all of her life she made devoted, dear lifelong friends, that stayed near and very dear to her. Her bright personality, positive cheery spirit and thoughtful kindness gave her a special radiance beloved by family and friends.

She so loved her family, being with them gave her the most joy! At the family cottage on Lake Huron, that her father built in the 1950's, and at Christmas-Eve family gatherings, birthdays and events for and with her children and grandchildren. With her sister Anne-Marie and cousin Mary Kae, they whipped up fun and special moments.

Her career was wide and varied, beginning with corporate travel, including major international travel to Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe and Hawaii....

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08/06/2026