George Stephen Zana, Jr., 63, of Valparaiso passed away Friday, August 30, 2024. He was born July 11, 1961, in Independence, Louisiana to George S. & Barbara (Laird) Zana, Sr., graduated from the International High School in Brussels, Belgium, and received a B.A. in Communications from Southeast Louisiana University. Steve became the beloved morning drive personality on WLJE radio 28 years ago and was still practicing his craft on the day of his passing.
Community theater loomed large in Steve’s life, having been involved with South Bend Civic Theater, Firehouse Theater, and Chicago Street Theater; founding the Valparaiso Theatrical Company, and Artists’ Guild of Valparaiso due to open this month. He had also been quite active in efforts for the Memorial Opera House Preservation. Steve absolutely loved serving as DJ for crowds at private events and weddings as the entrepreneur of his side hustle “Let the Good Times Roll”. As a lover of animals and children he passionately and successfully lobbied to continue the on-air hosting of Wagon Wednesday on behalf of Porter County Animal Shelter for pet adoptions. Have we not yet mentioned that he LOVED the New Orleans Saints and nearly all things associated with Louisiana, especially the cooking. He developed his own brand of hot sauce by following his kitchen premise that recipes were only a suggestion. Unless cooking can be considered a religion, Steve adhered to no creed other than to love your neighbor.
On August 27, 2000, he married Colleen (nee Cole) who survives along with sons; Christopher (Kelly) Cole of Champaign, IL & Patrick Johnson of Westfield, IN, Steve’s mother, Barbara Zana of Granger, IN, sister, Elizabeth Zana of Granger, IN, brother, Wm. “Bill” (Agata) Zana of Alexandria, VA, and 7 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father.
Following cremation at Angelcrest Crematory a private family celebration of Steve’s life will be held which will undoubtedly include fireworks. Bon Ton Roulet old friend.
GUESTBOOK
I have worked with Steve for years recording radio spots. He was such a great human being. So funny and super talented at his craft. This is such a terrible loss. He will be missed. -Chris Paulk
I am so very sorry to about Steve Zana passing away. -Kathy Bingham - I let you know about the traffic conditions on the Indiana Toll Road between - Chesterton and LaPorte
My son just called to let me know that Steve had passed away. Our whole family loved to listen to Steve and Indiana 105. He will be so missed!! Thank you, Steve, for all the joy you gave us. Rest in peace, Steve Our sincere condolences to his family. -The Huffmans
O my… we had talked many of times on air concerning Louisiana. I’m from Louisiana and believe a connection. Prayer to his family. He will be missed tremendously. Along with the 105.5 family . It will be hard to not hear his voice that all of us lived with for many years. -Renee Jerkins
I am so incredibly sad to hear about George's passing. He was one of the kindest, funniest, and generous people you could ever meet. I am so grateful for the years I got to work with him at the radio station. He was a wonderful coworker, friend, teacher, and icon. He loved what he did. He loved his fans, family, work family, cooking, and life. My heart goes out to his family and former work family. -Jennifer Malmquist-Willison
My prayers and thoughts are with Steve’s family. I listened to him every morning on my way to work I will miss hearing his cheerful voice. -Evelyn Marvel
105.5 will never be the same. Thanks for all the music trivia Steve!!! It was a real pleasure to know you! -Lori Bales
I am so sorry for your loss. Always listened to Steve and even won a contest on morning show GOD bless and may he watch over your family. -Frank Hlaner
RIP MY BROTHER, -Billy Wayne Hancock
Colleen, I’m so sorry to see this. You two were a perfect match from the beginning I’m glad I was there for those exciting days. If you need a shoulder to lean on, an ear to listen or just a place to hide and let it all out. I'm right here 219-406-5924. Love you friend. -Leann Postlethwait
My deepest sympathies to Steve's entire family during this difficult time. He had a dynamic personality and will be greatly missed. My thoughts, prayers and heart are with you. May your memories be a shining light in the dark days. -Roberta Clark
My thoughts and prayers for your loss. Steve’s voice was an inspiration every morning. I enjoyed hearing him everyday. He had a great sense of humor and will be missed. -Loray Robinson
So sorry to hear of Stephen's passing. I just loved listening to him on XRock. He seemed like a helluva guy. His on-air personality was the epitome of Da Region. I really enjoyed his knowledge and passion for music. Condolences to the family, a tremendous loss. -Jean K. Lahm
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of Steve Zana. I listened to him driving to work and then driving home when the rolls were reversed with Mike Sommers. I have always had this saying to comfort me in my many losses. "His spirit is with God, His body is with Mother Earth, and his memories is in your Heart forever" I pray this will help the hurt that everyone is feeling with this loss. -Jannie Friedericks
I am just a faithful longtime listener of 105.5. I didn’t know the man or the family. Just loved his voice and the tales he told. He will be sorely missed! So very sorry… -Pat McAtee
Very Sad news.... Listened in most mornings, when I worked in the area and had the pleasure of working with him, during the 2012 Country Showdown, in Crown Point.... Prayers to His family.... -Jack Shaw
Just longtime listeners, but truly feel we've lost a best friend. Will truly miss listening to Steve every day. Our best to his much loved wife, kids and grandkids. His love for you surely shined through the airwaves. -Patrick & Carol Reynders
I am so sorry to hear Steve has passed. Steve was a pro and I just heard this news on the radio and my heart sunk. Steve was my favorite DJ I loved when he played my kind of music. Classic country. He will be missed. Sincerely, -Tim Berrier
Rest in peace dear friend. I listened to you every day on my way to work, you opened paths for my son Jimmy and his band. You will be greatly missed. May God comfort your family. -Karen Henrich
Dear Colleen & family, I have listened to Steve on Indiana 105 for the past 27 years. He was the first thing I would turn on when I woke up…even before my coffee! He will surly be missed in my home & in my life. My sincere condolences. May god give you peace. -Christine Rhodes
My deepest sympathy goes out to Steve’s family at the loss of such a special and loved person. I drove westbound on 80/94 for 18 years starting early at UCM hospital . I always listened to Indiana 105 in the morning and always appreciated the traffic reports heading into the city on 80/94. He was jovial, genuine and friendly on air. May he Rest in Peace. -Karen Kenney
When working in the world of radio we touch the lives of so many. You're that friendly voice that becomes part of their daily routine, their unseen radio brother or sister. The music we play is the soundtrack to their highest moments and saddest defeats. Steve, I know you have amassed a huge following in your career, who are now saddened and also elated that their radio brother has been promoted to the greatest radio gig ever, that big air studio in God's kingdom. Although we never worked together, I know many of the challenges you faced. You were a winner and your legacy will live on in your coworkers, family, and fans. My wife, Leslie, and I offer our condolences to your family, friends, and fans. From one radio brother to another, God Speed, and don't forget your headphones. -Rik Anthony
So sorry to hear about Steve. I did not know him well, but he was a true gentleman. 15 years ago when we started a concert series at Opera House he was among the first to say “what can I do to help”? And he did help. Thanks Steve for your friendship & support. You’ll be missed. -Rob Harkel
I'm so sorry for your loss, we loss a great one. I met Steve when he was holding concerts for Toys for Tots at Woodland Park for Porter County Dunes Leathernecks Det. He did a great job and brought in many toys for us. I would see him at the Porter County Fair each year and he always had time to meet and greet. He will truly be missed by all. -James Gourley
This is so wrong. My words will not do justice for the anger I feel toward Cancer. This man was nothing but a giver. I am saddened for all the grief this causes. If there is a better place Steve will be there, and the loved ones left behind will hope for every lil sign that he is ok. May all the people he touched (and that’s A LOT of people) remember his laugh and someday feel peace with your grief. -Marissa Ellis
Steve...Thanks for the memories, the great conversations, the friendship, and for sharing so much with so many for so long. We had lots of good times on the road doing radio stuff and those memories still make me smile. You will be missed Steve. My condolences to the Zana family on this tremendous loss. -Tom Lounges
Steve was such a joy in the morning as I made my commute to work. I send my sincere condolences to the family of Steve. Can't believe he is gone. I have so many fond memories of mixing it up with him on the radio. He recognized my voice even giving me a nickname. His humor and friendship is going to be deeply missed. May the family find comfort in the Arms of Our Lord Jesus Christ as you grieve this heartbreaking loss. -Michael Lee LeGrand
Those are some big shoes to fill. God bless. -Ken Sandine
The Zana family is in our thoughts and we share your grief over the loss of your dear son, brother and husband. Those Zana boys have such wit and charisma; so glad Steve found a way to share it with the world. Sending love and hugs. -Debbie and Mark Boll
Dear Steve, Thanks for your friendship, for inviting me to your wedding, for game nights at your house, and for being DJ for my dad’s Christmas party after he died. Thanks also for that warm welcome you gave me at the station a few weeks ago. Too bad we won’t get to work together but you’ll be watching from above. Thanks for showing us how to live and die - with grace, dignity and hope. You went out kicking, no backing down. To Colleen and family, my deepest condolences. -Jackie Swike
I'm sorry for your loss. I listen to him in the mornings and this station alot. My kids like the songs. I loved he always did the traffic delays on my way to work. Helped out so much. My god bless the family of Steve Zana and remember him for the good he brought. I will keep you in my prayers. -Adam Alvarez
What a profound loss. I didn't know Steve as well as I would've liked, but when I spent time with the family and Steve, he was so friendly, fun and kind. Thank you, Steve, for everything you've been to your family, friends and community. -Debby Sanders
