D/Tpr. Justin Ian Matinkhah

D/Tpr. Justin Ian Matinkhah of Reese, age 37, passed away on Saturday, May 9, 2020 at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. Justin was born March 16, 1983 in Saginaw and was a graduate of Arthur Hill High School's Class of 2001. Justin enlisted with the U.S. Marine Corps shortly before the 9/11 attacks and served his country from 2001 to 2009, earning the Rifle Sharpshooter Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Service Deployment Ribbon and the Forces Reserve Medal. He graduated from Delta College in 2007 with an associate degree in pre-sociology. He later graduated Summa Cum Laude from Ferris State University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and the Delta College Police Academy in 2008 where he obtained a certificate in law enforcement. Justin was hired by the Tuscola County Sheriff Department in 2009 and graduated from the 124th Michigan State Trooper Recruit School in 2013, where he finished in the top 10 in his class. Justin developed Acute Myeloid Leukemia in August of 2017 had his left leg amputated due to infection in October of 2017, and a bone marrow transplant in November of 2017. His determination, however, proved limitless and he rejoined the Michigan State Police as the first trooper to return following an amputation. Having been together for seven years, Justin was united in marriage with the love of his life, the former Sarah Sweeney, on August 5, 2011. Justin was passionate about helping others. He loved spending time outdoors, which included riding his tractor, hunting, fishing, boating and sitting by a campfire. He was a proud dad to his two children and was a frequenter of Reese PTO meetings. He was also a member of the F.O.P., AMVETS, and thoroughly enjoyed the monthly law enforcement "meeting of the minds" at Cork Pine in Vassar. Justin loved and adored his wife and especially his two children. His homecooked meals, sense of humor, and courage through adversity will be truly missed. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Sarah Matinkhah; two children, Hadley and Kamden; mother, Sue (Windon) Matinkhah; father, James Gale; brother, Brandon Gale (Matinkhah) and his wife, Sara, daughter, Madison, and step-son, Marky; grandmother, Lorraine Windon; half-brother, Nauder Matinkah and daughters, McKenzie and Ruby; step-brother, Josh Nettleton and son, Teigan; mother- and father-in-law, Neil and Kathleen Sweeney; brothers-in-law, Matt Sweeney and wife, Karen, and their children, Blake and Lily, and Corey Sweeney and wife, Tricia; along with many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Justin was preceded in death by an aunt, Marjorie Chronowski. A private family visitation will be held and a public service will be announced as information becomes available. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Justin Matinkhah Family Discretionary Fund for the benefit of his children, c/o Sarah Matinkhah, 205 West Sherman Street, Caro, MI 48723.