Steve Zigan, age88 Versailles

Steve James Zigan, age 88, of Versailles, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday evening. He was born on July 25, 1937, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of the late Stephen and Esther (Melland) Zigan.

Steve graduated from Messmer High School in 1956 and went on to attend Marquette University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. While at Marquette, he met the love of his life, Ani Martin, a freshman who caught his eye from a third-floor window. After a couple of humorous first dates in January of 1960, their lifelong love story began. Steve and Ani were married on September 10, 1960, beginning more than 65 years of marriage.

Steve began his professional career with General Electric. Shortly after, he and Ani moved to Marblehead, Massachusetts, and six months later GE relocated them to Lancaster, California, where they loaded up the car and drove across the country. Aviation and jet engine technology became Steve’s passion. In 1961, GE moved him to their headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he continued his career until retiring in 1992.  While living in Cincinnati, Steve furthered his education at Xavier University, earning his Master of Business Administration, which strengthened the leadership and business expertise that supported his long and impactful career.

Throughout his career, Steve served in leadership roles on numerous projects. One of his most significant contributions was his involvement in the development and operation of the J79 jet engine, which powers the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II fighter aircraft. One of the proudest highlights of his life came on his 70th birthday, when his son Mike, a pilot in the United States Air Force, landed an F-4 fighter jet at Oshkosh—powered by the very engine Steve had helped develop.

Steve was extremely well respected throughout the aviation industry. He retired as an Executive at General Electric (now GE Aerospace), including early work on the XV-5A lift-fan program, advanced development programs with NASA including the QCSEE, and commercial engine roles on the CF6-80A, including integration with the Boeing 767-ER extended range and early ETOPS work with various airlines and the FAA. He was also instrumental in the selection of GE’s own 747 flying testbed aircraft and performed significant work with Boeing, which helped pave the way for the GE90 engine program on the Boeing 777 aircraft.

All of his sons followed similar career paths, and at one time Steve and all of his sons shared ties to GE Aviation. He also played a vital role in the development and implementation of twin-engine jet aircraft, replacing four-engine designs—an advancement that significantly improved fuel efficiency and has since become the industry standard.

In 1968, Steve and Ani purchased a farm on Olean Road, believing it would be a better environment to raise their family. They made the permanent move to the farm in 1974 and never looked back. There, they raised Black Angus cattle, created a lifetime of memories, and instilled in their children the core values of faith and family.

Following his retirement, Steve and Ani traveled the world but always returned home to the farm. Whether building an ultralight aircraft or mending fences, no project was ever too tough or too complex. The farm—and the life they built there—became who they were.

Steve will be dearly missed by his beloved wife Ani, of 65 years; his sons Jim (Jill), Dave (Sylvie), and Mike (Trina); and his grandchildren:

• (Jim’s) Steven, Ben (Clarissa), Elizabeth, Rachel, Rebekah, Grace, Sarah, and Anna
• (Dave’s) Matthew, Clarisse, Nicholas, and Timothy
• (Mike’s) Joey (Amy), Jacob (Chloe), and Joshua

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Neal’s Funeral Home in Osgood. A Rosary service will be conducted at 10:45 a.m., and all are welcome to attend.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Osgood, with Father Bill Turner officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Friendship Fire Department, in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be placed at nealsfuneralhome.net.