John Anton Hambuch

John Anton Hambuch was born in Bonn, Germany, to Johannes and Margarete Hambuch. He grew up in the nearby village of Oberdollendorf. As a young man, he trained as an electrical engineer and soon became his company’s favorite troubleshooter as his methodical and analytical mind helped him solve problems with the industrial equipment they manufactured. John also served as a radio operator in the West German army. John and his wife Ingrid had two children, Monika and Ralf. John’s first trip to the US was to Philadelphia, arriving on July 3. He didn’t understand why he would not be doing his work the next day but soon learned. He quickly knew he wanted to be an American. John later moved to Miami where he married Hubertina (“Tina”) Schroeders, on March 18, 1978. John worked first as a translator and then used his engineering skills working with medical and commercial laundry equipment. John and Tina moved to Orlando in 1980 and then to Ocoee in 1983, There they owned and managed Dugeti’s Italian Restaurant for 13 years. After his years as a restaurateur, he again worked with industrial equipment. During these years, John made many friends and because involved in many community activities. John fulfilled his ambition to become an American and was sworn in as a naturalized citizen of the US on November 19, 1991, in Orlando, FL. Eventually, John became a licensed realtor and then a certified travel agent. For another 13 years he helped people plan trips to many parts of the world and was often able to give first hand advice as he and Tina had traveled extensively in Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Caribbean. He had developed a desire to travel as a young child watching ships on the Rhine River near his home. John was an active member of the Kiwanis Club, serving as president of the West Orange Kiwanis Club and as lieutenant governor for Kiwanis in central Florida. He was the moving force in organizing Kiwanis sponsored activities at Maxey Elementary and Lakeview Middle Schools (Orange County). At Maxey, he worked with a book club for fifth graders, meeting with them monthly talking about a book they had all read that month. John and Tina became members of Ocoee Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) where John sang in the choir, served as an elder and as financial secretary. He faithfully and lovingly cared for Tina when she developed Alzheimer’s. She passed away in 2015. Several years later, John renewed his friendship with Margaret Marquis and that friendship developed into love. They were married on October 1, 2022. Together they joined Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Orlando. They enjoyed a trip to Germany where he showed her the places of his early years. They also enjoyed trips to the mountains of North Carolina. Their years together were too short but were packed with love and companionship. John was preceded in death by his parents, by his two sisters, Annemarie and Gertrude, and Tina, his wife of nearly 40 years. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Marquis-Hambuch of Ocoee, his daughter Monika Schroeder of New Hope, PA, his son Ralf of Eitorf, Germany, his grandsons Maximilian and Sebastian of Konigswinter, Germany, his brothers-in-law Donald Stradley (Lynne) of Cherry Log, GA and David Stradley (Sharon) of St. Augustine, FL, their children and grandchildren, and many friends. John asked to be remembered as a man who always tried to be good to others and to do what was right. He was a man of deep faith and great compassion who loved to cook, to learn, and to laugh often. John asked that if anyone wanted to give a gift in his memory, that they consider The Retreat at Silver Springs, 6455 East Silver Springs Blvd., Silver Springs, FL 34488. (https://theretreatatsilversprings.org), This is the conference center for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Florida where he and Margaret have enjoyed many conferences and retreats. A memorial service will be held early in 2025.

John Anton Hambuch

April 1, 1940 - December 12, 2024