Posted: Monday, February 4, 2008 12:00 am on LakeExpo.com

John R. Oja (September 2, 1939-January 31, 2008)

John R. Oja class of 1957, age 68, of Lake Ozark, MO, passed away Thursday, January 31, 2008, at Lake Regional Health System, Osage Beach, MO.

John was born on September 2, 1939, in Baraga, Michigan, son of Helen Winkel, and the late Rudolph Oja.

John graduated from High School in Okemos, Michigan in 1957 and served two years in the United States Army. He then graduated from Michigan State University in 1963 and from there worked in law enforcement for several years in Florida.

John was united in marriage to Jeanette (Nadol) and to this union were born two children.

In 1980, he and his family moved to Warrensburg, Missouri, where he opened a Kentucky Fried Chicken Franchise. He had since owned and operated Kentucky Fried Restaurants including stores in Warrensburg, Sedalia and Clinton.

Survivors include his wife Jeanette of the home, one daughter; Lisa Oja of Warrensburg, MO, one son; John Andrew Oja and wife Lori Ann of Sedalia, MO, four grandchildren; Chance, Trustin, John Christian and Taileena Oja, his mother; Helen Winkel, two sisters; Margy Scott and Laurel Winkel, and one brother, Marc Winkel.

John was preceded in death by his dad, John Winkel.

Memorial Services will be held Thursday, February 7, 2008, 5:30 p.m. at the Calvary Episcopal Church in Sedalia, Missouri. The family will receive friends Thursday from 4:30-5:30, prior to services.

Memorial Contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hedges-Scott Funeral Home, Osage Beach, Missouri.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/lsj/name/john-oja-obituary?id=25132314