Illinois Valley Times

State Rep. David Welter (R-Morris) recently rose on the House Floor to offer heartfelt condolences to fellow GOP colleague Tim Ozinga (R-Mokena) over the death of his father, Martin Ozinga III.

“I met Tim Ozinga about 13 years ago when I was a senior in high school, and I first got involved with politics,” Welter said. “I volunteered for his father's campaign when he ran for congress in 2008. During that time, I got to know the Ozinga family and Marty, specifically his generosity. Marty's wife, Ruth, was also always by his side. She has passed since, but what I experienced between them, the love that they shared.”

With his six sons at his side, Welter saluted Martin Ozinga III for the business he created and all the jobs he went on to provide the people of the state.

“For our state, they're the largest family-owned concrete business in the country,” he said. “They employed thousands of Illinoisans, and Marty and Ruth were very generous with their charity, their time, their commitment to our community, and I would ask this body to take a moment of silence as we grieve with all of our colleagues who have lost their loved ones.”

Chairman of the Mokena-based ready mix concrete company that still bears his family’s name, Martin Ozinga III, died April 26 at his home. He was 71.

Over the year’s Ozinga Bros. Inc.'s list of projects has included laying concrete at Comiskey Park, now Guaranteed Rate Field, and the renovation of Soldier Field. The company has more than 2,000 employees spread across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin and Florida.

Earlier this year, Tim Ozinga was sworn in as the state representative for the 37th House District, replacing Republican Margo McDermed, who did not seek another term. Ozinga also serves as vice president and a co-owner of the family business.  

Martin Ozinga III is survived by his wife, Melissa, his six sons, their wives and 29 grandchildren.