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Celebrating the life of

John Diedrich Quante

August 03, 1925 - January 02, 2021

John Diedrich Quante

Savannah native John Diedrich Quante died peacefully January 2, 2021 at St Joseph's Hospital following a stroke. His daughter Dianne and doctor, Karen Turner, were with him. John and identical twin Albert were born August 3, 1925, the youngest of seven brothers and sisters.

John was honored to have served his country over the span of three Wars including WWII ( U.S. Navy) , Korea (USAF) and Vietnam (GAANG). During WWII, John along with his identical twin, Albert, left school to join the U.S. Navy with their permission of their parents. He served aboard the Destroyer USS Ross in the Pacific Theater. The Ross was the only Destroyer to hit two mines and survive (with Bosun's mate John aboard). After their Naval service John and Al joined the Air Force and served in Korea in aircraft maintenance. John spent the remainder of his career with the 165th Georgia Air National Guard.

During John's time in the Navy he met and later married Dorothy Ryssmsn of Santa Ana, California. She was the love of his life and his wife for over 71 years.

In his younger years John was an avid hunter and fisherman. In fact, he "blue-water fished" in the Florida Keys until his 90s. An aircraft mechanic by occupation, he was talented and skilled at figuring out and fixing/repairing almost anything.
He was a licensed pilot, an original member of the Forest City Gun Club, a member of the German Friendly and German Heritage societies, USS Ross Association (past presidencies), US Destroyer Veterans (Tin Can Sailors), National Guard Association of Georgia, founding member of SAFANG including the Grey Eagle Society. John was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church of the Ascension.

Over his 95 years many people were blessed and "honored "to have known him. He had an infectious smile, twinkling blue eyes and warm-hearted humor. It seemed that his biggest joy in life was to bring laughter, joy and kindness to others. He was kind, genuine and witty. He was a friend to ALL children and dogs.

John is survived by his wife of 71 years, Dorothy/Dot R., his identical twin Albert, his daughter Dianne (Marshall), and too numerous to count cousins, nieces, nephews and the beloved neighborhood family. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Mona Potts, Iris Putzig(Don), Naomi Jiles and " only grandchild" Ashby Kent Fox(Jonah).
John was predeceased by his parents Dorothea/Dora Siem Quante and Frederick H. Quante; brothers, Fred, Martin and Carl Sr.; two sisters Dorothea and Margaret; as well as brother-in-laws, Bert,Otto and Daniel Ryssman.

Due to the current pandemic a memorial service will be held at a later date.

Remembrances may be made to the USS Ross Association, Lutheran Church of the Ascension.
 

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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GUEST BOOK

I always enjoyed ‘running into’ John. He always had a smile and would make me laugh when he would ask me if I was sure he was John and not Albert. I was little when my father would dive and fish in the Keys, but heard many stories. Dot and Dianne, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your wonderful patriotic John. He will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

- Harriett Matzen (Downs family), Savannah, Ga

Albert and Dianne I am so sorry to hear about John's passing. He was an awesome man and a great friend to many including me. It was an honor and privilege to know John. You know if there is anything I can do I am only a phone call away.

- Wendell Hill Sr, Savannah, GA, ga

May your memories of this amazing man lift you up during this time

- Pamela Mongin, Metter, GA

Our hearts are broken for the Quante family. We met and got to know "Uncle John" thru Angela Quante, a school mate and long-time family friend. Many times we have mistaken John for Albert! He would smile and just play along for a while before revealing we had the wrong twin! Always such a gentleman! What a wonderful life he lived and what a wonderful, loving family he had. We will continue to keep you all in our prayers.

- Linda (Foster) & David Denhard, Savannah, GA

Dianne, my deepest sympathies to you, your mother, Albert and the rest of your family. I only met your father once but have known of him through you for many years. He was obviously very proud of his accomplished daughter. Love and hugs.

- Carol Cole, Savannah, Ga

What an honor and a privilege it has been to have crossed paths with this great man. He always lit up a room with his smile and his humor. He truly was a mentor to me and countless other men and women in the 165th Airlift Wing of the Georgia Air National Guard. I will miss him and will be grateful to have called him friend and Brother In Arms. God Speed, my friend.

- David Smith, Richmond Hill, Georgia

Dianne, my deepest sympathies to you and your mother. Your dad was one of a kind. He always made me smile. He is now joking with Sandra. RIP, John Quante.

- Sheila M. Galbreath, Richmond Hill, Ga.

Always enjoyed his company, he had a infectious smile and personality. Would sometimes not be able to distinguish him from Al but both of them made me feel loved. So very sorry for your loss of a great man and friend. He will be missed and praying for you.

- Beth McIntyre Fitzgerald, Savannah, GA

John was always a highlight of the USS Ross reunions and so kind to our family. He will be missed.

- Lloyd Collins Jr., Peotone, Illinois

Dorthy and Dianne, I am sorry to learn of the passing of your husband and father. Please know that you are both in my prayers. My brother and I lived in Welwood, so many years ago.

- Susan and Steve Sheppard , Griffin , Ga

A candle has been lit!

My precious Diane there is no greater loss than a father I remember how close you were. He was crazy about you he would lite up when he would hear your name your so loved !

- Jan Schmidt. Dr.Abbott office, Sav, Ga

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200

  • Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced at a later date.