In Memory
John Edward Zanka, Jr.
May 19, 1949 ~ November 23, 2025 (age 76)
John Edward Zanka, Jr., 76 years old, peacefully passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at his daughter’s residence in Etna Green, IN.
John was born on May 19, 1949 in South Bend, to the late John Edward, Sr. and MaryAnn (Bencsics) Zanka. On October 11, 1997, John married the love of his life, Patricia Joyce Swihart Zanka, who passed away on November 26, 2017.
John is survived by his children and their family, Lori (Tim) Shively: Cameron and Cole; Lisa (Henry) Brunner: Kirsten, Gabby, Arielle, and Kassy; step-children, Mike (Kate) Swihart and Jesse (Jayme) Mitchell; 3 step-grandchildren; sister, Sandy Zanka; and a brother, Dan Zanka.
John proudly served his country for the United States Air Force. He then was a firefighter for 37 years at South Bend Fire Department. Johns first love was his family. His joys in life were fishing, woodworking, carpentry, cooking, and watching his grandchildren play sports. John also cared deeply about his faith. He had a passion for sharing his love of Jesus.
At the rugged cross I stand,
with a cross in my hand.
“Here this cross is for you”
why do you seek me, because God told me to
At the rugged cross I stand.
Holding a rod in my hand.
On still waters I find my peace.
The joy that Jesus can only bring.
At the rugged cross I stand.
I am a carpenter with gifted hands.
Sometimes sideways, but it stands.
At the rugged cross I stand.
I had the greatest job of all.
A fireman.
At the rugged cross I stand.
I stand with my family close at hand.
This was the greatest gift of all.
The joy and laughter of us all.
Visitation for John will be held Monday, December 1, 2025 from 11:00am-1:00pm at the Cathedral of St. Matthew with a Mass of Christian Burial starting at 1:00pm at the church. Burial with military honors will immediately follow at Highland Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given in honor of John Edward Zanka, Jr. to Riley Children’s Hospital, 705 Riley Hospital Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Online condolences can be made at sjfh.net.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Edward Zanka, Jr., please visit our floral store.
Services
Visitation
Monday
December 1, 2025
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
St. Matthew Cathedral, Miami St, South Bend
Mass of Christian Burial
Monday
December 1, 2025
1:00 PM
St. Matthew Cathedral
1701 Miami St
South Bend, IN 46613
Interment following funeral service
Monday
December 1, 2025
Highland Cemetery, South Bend
Donations
Riley's Children Hospital
705 Riley Hospital Dr, Indianapolis IN 46204
Added 11/27/2025 0738 GMS
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