Kendall County Times

Marty Ozinga III, board chairman of Mokena-based concrete supplier Ozinga, died late last month, and several lawmakers have noted the legacy that the former congressional candidate and lifelong participant in Will County Republican politics leaves behind. 

Last week state Rep. David Welter (R-Morris) called for attention on the House floor to remark on Ozinga's death. Ozinga's son, Tim Ozinga, is a Republican state representative for the Makena district. 

"We all have different paths on how we get here, and sometimes we end up seeing those that we met along our way again," Welter said. "I met Tim Ozinga about 13 years ago when I was a senior in high school, and I first got into politics when I volunteered for his father's campaign when he ran for Congress in 2008."

The representative said that he got to know Ozinga's generosity well and that of his wife, Ruth, and the rest of their family.

"The love that [Marty and Ruth] shared, the six sons that they raised, the business that they created in Illinois, the jobs, the people in the community that they supported," Welter said. "They did so much for our area, for our state."

Ozinga is the largest family-owned concrete business in the nation, employing thousands of Illinois residents. Ozinga died unexpectedly at 71 years old, according to a statement from Ozinga CEO and son, Marty Ozinga IV.

Ozinga IV said his father was cared for by many family members, friends, coworkers and customers. 

"Please keep the Ozinga family in your thoughts and prayers," the statement said. 

Will County Republican Chairman George Pearson also paid tribute to the elder Ozinga. 

"His humanitarian support was well known," Pearson said. "Yet he sought no praise or acknowledgment of his deeds. Marty III once stated to me, 'I prefer God’s acknowledgment.'  Marty Ozinga III was an inspiration. He laid out a solid foundation and constructed a concrete legacy for generations to come."