College Remembers Founder Martin Ozinga Jr.

The College joins the family of Martin Ozinga Jr. in mourning the loss of this astute businessman, community leader, and one of the founders of Trinity Christian College.

Ozinga passed away on June 12, 2010, and a memorial celebration service will be held on Friday, June 18, at 11 a.m. in the Ozinga Chapel, built on campus in 2001 in honor of Martin and his wife Janet, both of whom supported the College and its Reformed mission vigorously and faithfully through the years since the birth of the College.

Ozinga was one of the 10 men who met as the Chicago Junior College Committee in the early 1950s to discuss the development of a Christian junior college in the Chicago area. Those early meetings paved the way for the formation of Trinity, first as a two-year institution and eventually a four-year, baccalaureate-degree granting college.

“While we have the Ozinga chapel as a lasting legacy, I will also remember fondly the last years of his life, a time when his activities slowed yet his character remained strong,” said President Steven Timmermans, Ph.D. “His family meant much to him, and he spoke of them in glowing ways. His care of others was always evident, and his response was always one of generosity. His love for Christ and the Church was unwavering, for he continued to reflect the love of God with each word, smile, and touch.”

In an interview conducted in preparation for the College’s 50th anniversary in 2009, Ozinga spoke of the testimonies to Trinity’s success that he has witnessed over the years.

“I see young people coming out of Trinity—beautiful kids who love the Lord, who received an education and are proficient in their work, and who are quick to speak about the blessing of their parents, their friends, and Trinity Christian College.”

I hope and pray that the story might spread and that more and more young people would come to realize the true meaning of a Christian education.

The graduates who have gone out into the world are doing a great job, and I think that’s due to the commitment they have for the teachings of the Bible and to the Lord Jesus Christ. They’re well-rounded, and all through the teachings at Trinity, from what I hear and what I see, that’s the core—the real, solid core—of Trinity.”

See the 50th anniversary Jubilee! video trailer featuring Martin Ozinga Jr. and some of Trinity’s other founders here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_uYX54GL1w

Family
Ozinga, 89, was the beloved husband of the late Janet, nee De Maa; loving father of Martin III (Ruth), Kenneth (Judy), and Beverly Ozinga; cherished grandfather of 12 and great-grandfather of 15; brother of the late Sen. Frank (Grace), the late Anna Grace (the late Henry) Lich, the late Richard (Marilyn), and the late Norman (Hilda) Ozinga; brother-in-law of the late Richard (the late Jennie) DeBoer and the late Gerald (Ann) Bos; dear uncle of many nieces and nephews. He was the past president of the First National Bank of Evergreen Park and Ozinga Brothers Redi-Mix Concrete as well as a lifetime resident of Evergreen Park and a member of the Christian Reformed Church.

Visitation and Service
Visitation will be held Thursday, June 17, from 2 to 9 p.m. at Colonial Chapel 15525 S. 73rd Ave., Orland Park, Illinois. A memorial celebration service will be held Friday, June 18, 2010, at 11 a.m. at the Ozinga Chapel on the campus of Trinity Christian College, 6601 W. College Drive, Palos Heights, Illinois. Memorials to Trinity Christian College Chapel stained-glass window project are appreciated, 708.239.4806. Thoughts and condolences can be expressed at www.colonialchapel.com, 708-532-5400.