Lee County Obituaries
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>STEWART, Frances Margaret,
 Margaret was 96, of Cape Coral, passed away Wednesday, March 16, 2011. She was born May 18, 1914 in Greencastle, IN. and moved to Cape Coral 47 years ago. She was a member of Daybreak Fellowship. Left to cherish her memory is her son, Richard R. Stewart; two daughters: Sharold G. Smith (Steve) of Fort Myers and Kathy A. Cantieny (Chuck) of Cape Coral. She was a loving Mamma to her grandchildren: Bryan, Brenda (Don), Amber (Mat), Ashley and Christopher and three great grandchildren: Nicole, Lindsay and Tyler.
 She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Richard W. Stewart in 1995, two sisters: Helen and Kathleen and three brothers: Harold, Frank and Charles and her beloved daughter-in-law, Kay Jean Stewart. Frances was a wonderful and caring person and loved by all who knew her. Funeral services were conducted on Saturday, March 19, 2011 at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home with burial to follow in Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Friends will be received on Saturday until the time of the service. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 1589 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33907, 239-936-0555.
>TUSSETT, Silvia Jeanette, age 90,  Sylvia, Syl, Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma, and Great Great Grandma, died at about 8:30 on a sunny Monday morning, most characteristically ready to take on the next opportunity. A child of the depression, and a longtime diabetic, Sylvia valued the careful managing of life, and above all, having fun, which for her always included family and friends.
The second of three daughters born to parents from Hungary, she too had three children; Robert, Russo, and Wendy Harris (Bill), Deborah Russo, and four step children; Robert Tusset (Paula), Robin Olivet (Terr), Richard Tusset and Renee Eddins (Phil).
  Dancing and performing at the piano were Sylvia's passions from her teen years to 90. She inspired grandchildren, william Harris, Lisa cushion (Jeff), Kevin Harris (Patti), Christopher Russo (Asako), and Tamara McDowell (Erin), all with her infectious can do - will  do attitude.  ( The News-Press, 23 March 2011, Ft. Myers, FL )
>KEFFER, Frances Christiansen, 91, passed away April 13, 2011, at her home in Fort Myers, Fl.- Born June 15, 1919, in Galesburg, Ill., to Ansley H. Tracy and Marion Linsley Tracy, Fran attended her mother's alma mater, Knox College in Galesburg, which was just across "the green" from Galesburg High School, where she graduated in 1937. Like her mother and sister before her, Fran pledged Delta Delta Delta sorority at Knox, and she graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1941.A few months later, on Oct. 18, 1941, she married Allan P. Christiansen, who had been a year ahead of her at Knox and a star on the football field.
 Frances was a woman with a lifelong passion for learning and adventure. Al's professional football prospects were soon set aside with the on set of World War II and the draft, Fran followed him across the country from military camp to military camp until he left for service in Europe and she moved back to Galesburg to await his return. After he came home in 1945, the couple lived in Chicago for a time, then returned to Galesburg to construct and operate a drive-in movie theater with Fran's father. They retired to Fort Myers, Fla., in 1976, and Al passed away in 1986.
 Fran was known for her kindness, ready smile and bubbling laughter, and she was involved in a variety of organizations, including P.E.O. (she served as president of chapter W in Galesburg), the Ladies Golf Association at The Landings in Fort Myers (she served as chairwoman), Sanibel Congregational Church and Congregational Summer Assembly in Frankfort, Mich., where she enjoyed many summers. Fran earned her private pilot's license in 1979 at age 60 and was a member of Sundowner's Club of Fort Myers. She was also a member of McGregor Point Bridge Club and an ACBL Life Master. At age 80, she opened the boxes of letters she'd saved from her WWII travels and authored a memoir, "Camp Follower: A Bride's Life Outside the Barracks."
 Fran moved to Fort Myers' Shell Point Village in 1991, and married Paul Keffer on Oct. 11 of that year. Paul passed away in 2004.
 Fran was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Jane Gingerich of Rockester, Minn., and Betty (Elizabeth) Schueller (Mrs. Jack) of Boulder, Colo. She is survived by two children, Peter T. Christiansen of Fort Myers, Fla., and Patricia C. Petrick (Mrs. Edward) of Oak Park, Ill., and Frankfort, Mich.; four grandchildren, Shelley Smith (Mrs. Bryan), Scott Johnson (Katie) of Homestead, Fla., Devin Petrick of Newton, Mass., and Matt Petrick (Annie) of Oak Park, Ill.; and three great-grandchildren, Simon, Ruthie and Noah Petrick. (Published in The Register-Mail on April 19, 2011)
>MELBER, Killian, - Landscaper & Gardener:
 The many friends of Killian Melber who for many years was a resident of Fort Meyers, will be shocked to hear of his death. He died at Prtega, Fl. Tuesday, Dec. 23, 1925. Mr. Melber died after a lingering illness od more than a year, he leaves a devoted wife and 8 children to mourn his loss. Mr. Melber was a landscaper and gardner and laid out many gradensin Fort Myers and the surrounding vacinity. He also built the Fort Myers golf grounds, his last job being that of building and managing a private golf ground for some wealthy citizens of Jacksonville. Mr. Melber was beloved by everyone who came into contact with him, He will be missed by many. ( Ft.Myers Press, Friday, Jan.2,1925) 
>NENNEY, Ellen Cynthia, 90, of Fort Myers died Saturday, December 24, 2005. Born June 14, 1915 in Gillespie, IL, the only child of Viola and Deewitt Fisher, she graduated from Gillespie Community High School in 1933. Ellen married Norman J. Nenney, March 10, 1938. He preceded her in death Nov. 24, 1972. Ellen was an active member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood in Decatur, IL and Leesburg for 50 years prior to relocating to Fort Myers.
  Survivors include Norene Frazier, Phoenix, AZ, Muriel Garwood and her husband, Fort Myers; 3 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. There will be no service as her body has been dedicated to medical science.
(
Breeze Courier (Taylorville, IL) - December 29, 2005)
>TARDIF, Dr. Henry M. - Doctor:
 Dr. Henry was  87 - of Fort Myers, a retired family practice physician, passed away on April 14, 2011.
 Dr. Tardif is survived by his loving wife, Monta Tardif; his children Russell Tardif, Heather Tardif Stockard, Michael Detty, Ellen Detty Gilbert, and Margie Detty Hill; 11 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Isabelle Tardif. Dr. Tardif was a gentle and loving man, husband, father, and grandfather who loved life and enjoyed tennis, sailing, dancing, and travel.
 Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, he completed medical school at the University of Buffalo, before serving his country in the Army Medical Corps in Korea and Japan. After his military service, Dr. Tardif practiced medicine in Springfield, Ohio until 1971 when he relocated his practice to Fort Myers.
 His family would like to thank the staff of Page Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center for their excellent care, love, and compassion during the last 15 months of Dr. Tardif's life.  A celebration of Dr. Tardif's life will be held at Page on 4/30/2011 at 6 p.m. (Published in The News-Press on April 18, 2011)
>LANDL, Elaine E. ( Johnson ) - Mother & Grandmother:
 Elaine was 89, of Ft. Myers Beach, FL, formerly of Skokie, IL. Beloved wife of the late August L.; Loving mother of Donna (James) Lybold, Gus(Sue), Ed (Shelly), Patty (David) Ehrlich, Bob, and the late Kathy Landl; Cherished grandmother of Jessie (Doug Narum, Molly, Matt, andCourtney Landl, and Daniel, Steven,Michael, Thomas,and Jacquline Ehrlich.
 Visitation will be Thurs. 24 March 2011 at Haben Funeral Home & Crematory, 8057 Niles Center Rd, Skokie, IL.
  Interment private. ( The News-Press, 23 March 2011. Ft. Myers, FL. )
>ENGLAND, Joan Frances,- Department Store Manager:
  Joan was 76, of Ft. Myers died on Jan. 26, 2011 at Hope Hospice, Ft. Myers.  She was born on April 8, 1934 in England, a daughter of Robert and Violet Kirby Powell. Joan was employed as a manager and buyer for Christmas and Things, previously she had been a manager at Maas Brothers, Burdines and Macys as well as Jordan Marsh in Burlington, MA and Pomeroy's in Willingboro, NJ; she was a long time member of the ABWA (American business Women's Association).
 She is survived by her husband, James F. England, her children, Shari Sampson , Brenda McCall, Lynda Zickel  and Vaughan Powell of the UK, her stepdaughter, Susan J. Ehlers of Minneola, FL, her grandchildren, Kristen Broecker and Jim Peterson, Christopher Sampson, Michael McCall, Lauren and Alexa Ehlers, all of FL and Robbie and Kelly Powell both of England and two great grandchildren.
 Memorial Service on Sat, April 9, 2011 at Unity of Ft Myers, 11120 Ranchette Rd, Ft. Myers, FL.
  ( The News-Press, Ft. Myers, FL., 23 March 2011 )
>U.S.A.FlagVOLMER, Warren David,- Candy Wholesale Business:Employee of the Louisville Courier Journal:
David was  90, He died on April 21, 2011 at Hope Hospice, Fort Myers. He was born on March 5, 1921 in Jeffersonville, IN, a son of Henry J. and Mary (Ettel) Volmer. Mr. Volmer served 20 years in the US Air Force and retired with the rank of Major and received the Airman's Medal for Heroism; he also was the owner of F. A. Williams Co., a candy wholesale business and a prior employee of the Louisville Courier Journal. Mr. Volmer was a graduate of the University of Louisville. He was lifetime member of St. Luke's United Church of Christ, Masons, Shriners, and Scottish Rite. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, Elks Club, and Friends of the Library. In addition, he was a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity.
 He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Dorothy M. (Spangler) Volmer, his daughter, Susan J. Altis and her husband, Kristopher, and his grandson, Evan Altis, all of Fort Myers, FL, and his sister, Mary Ann Graybrook of Carmel, IN. He was the father of the late Don Volmer.
 A Memorial Service was held on Sat., May 7, 2011, in the chapel at The Lakes by Emeritus, 7460 Lake Breeze Dr., Ft. Myers. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to St. Luke's United Church of Christ, 329 Walnut St., Jeffersonville, IN 47130.
( The News-Press on May 3, 2011 )
>BROTHEIM, Zelda,
Zelda was 76, of North Fort Myers, Florida passed away April 30, 2011. Zelda was born; September 4, 1934 the daughter of Benjamin and Molly Kaplan. She enjoyed playing bingo and spending time with her friends and family.
 She leaves to cherish her loving memory, 2 children Craig (Cynthia) Brotheim and Jay (Davine) Brotheim, 2 grandchildren Ben and Josh (Kristy), and 3 great grandchildren, Riley, Aaron, and Adam, nieces, nephews and friends.
 Visitation was held on Tuesday May 10, 2011, with memorial service at Gendron Funeral & Cremation Services Inc.
 Funeral arrangements under the direction of Gendron Funeral & Cremation Services Inc., 4224 Cleveland Ave, Suite 1, Fort Myers, Florida 33901. ( Published in Sentinel & Enterprise on May 3, 2011 )
>U.S.A.FlagGONCHER, John S. ,-Doctor:
John was 70, he was born on November 6, 1940 to the late John and Rose Goncher, of Chicago Heights, IL. He passed away, April 30, 2011. John attended Bloom High School and went on to complete his undergraduate work at the University of Notre Dame and graduated from Loyola Stritch School of Medicine. Dr. Goncher completed his residency at Cook County Hospital in Chicago and went onto serveas a Regimental Medical Officer with theThird Marine Division in Vietnam, eventually reaching the position of Lieutenant Commander. Dr Goncher received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal as well as a Letter of Commendation. Dr. Goncher and his family eventually settled in Aurora, IL where he practiced Obstetrics and Gynecology for over 30 years. To him, his patients were simply an extension of his family and he treated each one with dignity and respect. Dr. Goncher was passionate about his family, friends, Itali! and cooking, Notre Dame football, Aviation (he was a Senior Aviation Medical Examiner for the FAA), and animals (with preference given to german shepherds).
 Dr. Goncher is survived by his loving wife, Marianne to whom he had been married for 41 years. He is also survived bya sister, Winnifred Rose Goncher and children: Beth, Laurel (Tom), Lesley, and Matthew (Karen) as well as his grandchildren: Austin, Samantha, Matthew, Meghan, John Austin, Elise and Daniel. Not to be forgotten are his most precious and loyal german shepherds: Boomer, Abby, and Allie.  A wake was scheduled for Wed., May 4th at Harvey Engelhardt Funeral Home in Fort Myers Florida.  Funeral services were held on Thursday, May 5th at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Fort Myers.
 A memorial fund has been created in lieu of flowers called the John Goncher Memorial K-9 fund through Fifth Third Bank in Geneva, IL to benefit the Kane County Sheriff's K-9 unit. ( Beacon News on May 3, 2011 )
>BLAIR, Henry Alexander, - Insurance Agent:
 Henry was72, of Naples, Florida died Monday May 2, 2011 at Naples Community Hospital. He was born in Rochester, New York to Dr. Henry and Eva Blair. Henry had been a long time resident of Ft. Myers moving to Naples several years ago. Since 2002, he had been an independent insurance agent.
  He is survived by two sisters, Shirley Dodenhoff of Naples and Barbara Nangle of Clayton, North Carolina and a number of nieces and nephews. Henry will be remembered for his kindness and silly humor.
  A Memorial Service was held at a later date. Condolences may be sent to 812 Sarazen Drive, Clayton, North Carolina 27527.
(  The News-Press on May 14, 2011 )
> MEYERING, Geralynne "Gerri",-Popular Resturant Server: Mother & Good Friend
 Gerri was 57, She passed away May 13, 2011. Then there was peace, all the pain and suffering has been washed away, only to leave eternal rest. Gerri's journey ended peacefully as she was surrounded by loving family at the Hope Hospice House in Cape Coral. She had bravely battled cancer for many years, but finally gave in to complications from the disease that cannot be cured.
  She was the first child born to Eugene and Aljeanne (Hackett) Simpon in California on November 11, 1953. She was raised in Palos Heights, IL and attended Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa. In 1981 she moved to Cape Coral, Florida with her husband and they raised two children. Gerri was a popular server at many restaurants in Fort Myers and Cape Coral, receiving three 4-Star reviews from critic Jean LeBoeuf over the years.
  Gerri was pre-deceased by her father who also succumbed to cancer in 1993.
Survivors to mourn and cherish her loving memory and celebrate her life, her husband Kurt Meyering; her son Steven (Whittney)and granddaughter Emma; daughter Meghan (Jason)and granddaughter Addison; her mother Aljeanne Simpson; seven Brothers and Sisters; several loving Aunts and Uncles; many caring friends and a beloved and constant companion, her dog, Zoe.
She was a human dynamo, giving 110% to her family, friends and employers. She was always the one they would come to for help and advice. They will always be grateful and miss her presence in their lives.
  Gerri received extraordinary care from the staff at Hope Hospice, and the family extends their most extreme and sincere gratitude for their care and compassion.
  Memorial Services in Gerri's honor are now being planned by the family and will be announced at a later date
  Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Gendron Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., 4224 Cleveland Avenue, Suite # 1, Fort Myers, Florida 33901, (239) 274-0088. (  Published in The News-Press on May 18, 2011 ).
>ALBRITTON, James D.,
 James was 76, He was born in Tampa, FL to the late Carl W. and Lettie Laurine Craig Albritton. Mr. Albritton retired
from Rich's where he recieved the award for largest volume salesman in North America from 1972-1976. He was one of the orginail charter members of the Broadway Church of God in Ft. Myers Florida in 1964.
  Mr Albritton was preceded in death by his brothers; Horace, Bill, Junior, Jack, and John Terrell Albritton.
  Mr. Albritton is survived by daughter; Debbie Albritton, grandson, Chris Albritton and great-granddaughter, Isabella of
Stockbridge, GA. son and daughter-in-law; Jim and Teri Dodge, Sevierville, TN. and his sister; Libby Lawhon,of Fort Myers, FL. He will be missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
 Funeral Services were held at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home in Fort Myers, FL. on Wednesday, May 11, 2011.  Visitation was held on Wednesday, from 12 Noon until time of service. (Published in The News-Press on May 10, 2011)
>U.S.A.FlagSNYDER, Daniel, - Licensed Pilot: Real Estate :
 Daniel was born December 31, 1923 in New Jersey, Dan passed away Wednesday, May 4, 2011. in Murphy, NC. - Daniel moved to Cherokee County about five years ago. In the early 1960's Daniel moved to Cape Coral and was involved in development of that area. As a licensed pilot he flew may prospective clients to the area to purchase land. He was a veteran of WWII, serving in the United States Navy as a Sea Bee in the Pacific Theatre. He worked with his wife in their real estate office in Fort Myers. Daniel enjoyed many activities as a pilot and boat captain.  Dan will always be remembered for his love of boating and enjoying friends and family. He was a former member of the Royal Palm Yacht Club and may other organizations.
  He is survived by his wife Mary Ann; children, two daughters, Mindy Gilbert and husband, Blaine and Cindy Martens and husband, Robert all of Pensacola, FL; a son, David Snyder and wife, Diane of Richmond, KY; a step-daughter, Lisa Wiskowski and husband, Scott of Fort Myers; a step-son, Scott Nicely and wife, Lisa of Fort Myers; a sister, Irma Pazmann of Lynbrook, NY; a brother, Marvin Snyder of Miami, FL; and ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
  A memorial service was held Friday, May 6 in the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy with Rabbi Zvi Altman officiating and military rites conducted by the Murphy American Legion Post 96, Murphy DAV Chapter 73, Murphy VFW Post 10222, Hayesville American Legion Post 532, Hayesville VFW Post 6812 (Allison-Bristol), and the NC National Guard.
  Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.  ( obit in part-Published in The News-Press on May 9, 2011 and Funeral Home information )
> More on Daniel Snyder; Daniel's Aircraft info; Aircraft: BEECH B35 (Category: Land, Seats: 4, Weight: Up to 12,499 Pounds,
Speed: 120 mph), Engine: CONT MOTOR E225 SERIES (225 HP) (Reciprocating) N-Number: 5555K , Serial Number: D-2332, Year manufactured: 1950 Registrant (Individual): Daniel Snyder, Po Box 642, Cape Coral, FL 33904.
>U.S.A.FlagNORTON, John Joseph - General Contractor:
John was 64 -of Fort Myers died peacefully on Saturday June 4th, 2011 after a well-fought battle with cancer. Born on August 1, 1946, in Carbondale, PA, John proudly served as a Marine in the Vietnam War. He returned safely home with an honorable discharge and married the love of his life on June 22, 1968. John moved to Fort Myers, FL in August of 1971. A Class "A" General Contractor, John ran a prosperous Home Inspection company and was well loved by many of his colleagues for truly being a man of integrity. His hobbies included playing cards, helping others, tinkering with classic cars and being on the water. There was never a moment when he wasn't showing his bright smile or wonderful sense of humor.
  John is survived by his wife of 43 years, Kathleen Kelly Norton, and his daughter, Kelly Jean Norton, and her life partner, Andrea Jean Turnbull, of Tampa. He was preceded in death by his mother, Rose Marie De Palma.
  A Celebration of John's life will be held at Kiser Funeral Home, 9231 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33909 on Friday, June 10th from 6-8 PM. The Rosary will be said immediately following. On Saturday, June 11th at 10 AM, there will be a Funeral Mass in his honor at the Church of the Resurrection, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33919-5115.
( Published in The News-Press from June 7 to June 9, 2011 )

>PATTERSON, Ronald Wayne: School Employee:
 Patterson, Ronald Wayne, 51, of Clewiston, passed away Sunday, January 6, 2008 in Tampa. He was born November 12, 1956 in Ft. Myers to David LeRoy & Jannice Denney Patterson. He worked for Clewiston High School and the Hendry County School Board for 23 years and had attended the Calvary Baptist Church in Clewiston.

 He is survived by his wife of 27 years: Charlotte Patterson; 2 daughters: Wendy Ann and Amy Lynn Patterson, all of Clewiston; his parents: D.L. & Jannice Patterson, Dade City; 4 siblings: Brenda Sue McCormick, Wesley Chapel, Nancy Gail Bethea, Clewiston, Richard Allen Patterson, Dade City, Kathy Lynn Mincey, Polk City; and numerous nieces and nephews.
 Funeral services were held Wednesday, January 9, 2008 at the 301 Chapel of Hodges Family Funeral Home.
 Burial followed at Floral Memory Gardens. Friends may call  at the funeral home.


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