After a joyfully long life, on Sunday, April 11 2021, Jeanne Louise Duntz, 85, of Gulf Breeze, passed away with family at her side.

Jeanne was born April 3, 1936 in Tenneck, NJ to Marie Fix Gengenbach and William Gengenbach.

She is preceded in death by her husband, John L. Duntz; her brother, William Gengenbach; her daughter-in-law, Meg Duntz; and her grandson, Patrick John Schensted;

Jeanne is survived by her children,  Eric Duntz, Son, Gulf Breeze, FL; Shawn Duntz, Daughter, Issaquah, WA; Matthew Duntz (Kim), Son, Boca Raton, FL; David Duntz, Son, Boca Raton, FL; and her precious grandchildren, Rebecca Beach (Jameson); Devin Aracena (Pablo); Josh Duntz; Alex Duntz (Autumn); Sarah Schensted; Elena Schensted; Mark Duntz (Lexis); and great-grandchildren Remi Aracena and Meg Beach.

Jeanne met John while boat racing on the Hudson River. They married on October 9, 1954 and John fulfilled her lifelong wish to live somewhere sunny and warm, keeping that promise following his university graduation throughout their 63 year marriage; with moves to Phoenix and Los Angeles, ultimately landing in Gulf Breeze in 1964.

Her children, and later grand and great grandchildren, were her life passion. As a young, energetic, fun mom, together with John, she helped lay the groundwork for Gulf Breeze's fine Sports Association, assisted or lead many scout troops, coached softball, taught Sunday School, hauled surf boards and kids to the beach, hosted several GBHS Float building sessions, and was considered mom or grandma to numerous family friends.   She never missed a game, recital, or event involving any of her family. As her grandchildren grew up, she made certain every major milestone was specially celebrated with a dinner or festive party.

In 1968, her newly widowed mother moved into an apartment connected to the family home which John and his father built, and a few years later she also welcomed her mother-in-law every winter. Under her loving care, both thrived. Family mattered deeply to her.

Boating remained key in her life. John surprised her with their first sailboat, one he'd built while she spent the summer with her children and parents in Claverack, and at the Fix Brothers Farm, in upstate New York. Her kids and friends learned to ski, sail, fish, collect scallops and seahorses, and respect nature during the thousands of happy hours spent boating. They lived aboard their last boat, SMEDLESS II, during the year their home was being rebuilt after Hurricane Ivan's 2004 devastation.

Waiting until her youngest was fully launched in school, she began her career with Santa Rosa County Schools at Gulf Breeze Middle School in 1974, moving to Holley Navarre Intermediate School, retiring in 2001; with 26 years. As a bookkeeper, she loved having summers off, but couldn't resist the offer to work during the 1977 Production of JAWS II as the set seamstress.

When wings still cost a dime a piece at Sidelines on Thursday nights, she and John, along with friends, formed a group and met weekly for "Wings", adding new friends along the way. Over the years, this lovely group helped facilitate the meeting and marriage of two sets of widowed friends, bringing her giddy joy.

She enriched her retirement by cooking elaborate meals for her weekly family dinner, watercolor painting, time with grandkids, golf cart rides with her dog Scout, her many friends, and weekly volunteering at Interfaith Ministries.

Bravely, without complaint, she battled skin cancer for 30 years. Following the loving example of his parents, Eric welcomed her in his home during the final month of her life.

Per their wishes, along with that of her devout husband and lifelong best friends, John and Arlene Jervis, her ashes will be spread at their favorite boating spot.

She wrote that she wanted her life to be celebrated. Covid prevents the family from a large celebration with friends. We ask that you remember something happy about Jeanne as you spread love and joy in her honor today, in celebration of a life beautifully lived.

In lieu of flowers, please honor her memory by donating to Interfaith Ministries: 4435 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563.

Special thanks to: the many doctors and staff who cared for her over the years, especially the compassionate staff at Sacred Heart's Covenant Hospice.