John Henry Odinga

John Henry Odinga, 67, of Traverse City passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 5, 2016, with his wife at his side.

John was born on July 20, 1948, in Ionia, MI to August and Gerda (Winkel) Odinga. He married Rebekah Cheryl Turner on May, 16 2002.

John spent his life as a builder. He built a strong Christian faith and set a wonderful Godly
example for his family. After graduating from Michigan Tech University and serving in the army, he built a very successful oil and gas company, Gas Facilitators. He built strong relationships fortified by his sense of humor, wonderful smile, and listening ear. He loved traveling and playing cards with his friends and family, and of his most cherished relationships, John would certainly list his six grandchildren. He loved them fiercely. Lastly, he built himself into a very good golfer through lots and lots and lots of practice at the Traverse City Golf and Country Club, where he also served on the Board of Directors. He wished to be remembered as a Christian, a good friend, a good father, and happy husband. His friends and family would surely agree.

John is survived by his loving wife Rebekah of Traverse City; his mother Gerda Odinga of
Zephyrhills, FL; children Matthew (Heather) Odinga of Sterling Heights, Nathan (Stacy) Odinga
of Ortonville, and Janelle (Kris) Bross of Macomb; grandchildren Jackson, Marissa, Madison,
Carter, Avery, and Samuel; brother Mike (Ardith) Odinga of Midlothian TX; brothers and
sisters-in-law, Douglas (Arlene) Turner of Brighton, John (Patricia) Turner of Monroe, Nancy
(Ken) Briggs of Napa Valley, CA, Lisa (Mike) Kwiecinski of Dearborn Heights, and Scott (Penny) Turner of Monroe, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and special golfing buddies. Also surviving is his first wife, Mary (Loneske) Odinga, with whom he had his three children.

John was preceded in death by his father August.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2016, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church at 11 a.m. with a visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to the church. Kindly share thoughts and memories with John's family at www.reynoldsjonkhoff.com .

The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.