Ed Soja

Ed Soja of Cherokee Village, Arkansas was born November 5, 1958 and passed October 28, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Bruno & Leona Wais Soja. Ed is survived by his wife, Debbie, and their children: Nicholas Soja and his wife Katie and their son Maverick; Marcus Soja; Louis Soja and daughters Ivy and Isabella; Heather Murphy and her husband Daniel and their children Melissa, Gregory, Reanna, and Adam; Shane Rosenberg and daughter Mia; Ed's sisters: Audrey Montoya and husband Peter; Christine Aguilar; Rosann Stempien and husband Jack; and Mary Planinsek.

As the youngest of five children, Ed carried a deep sense of responsibility and quiet strength throughout his life. He was a man who loved his family, his church, and everyone he met. In any situation his deep, tender, gentle, and reassuring voice brought comfort.

Ed was a clear thinker who thrived on challenges and readily took on the jobs no one else would do. Nothing stumped him. He was a power engineer who held a degree in architecture along with more than thirty certifications and licensures, including Master Industrial Electrician and a plumbing license. His skills also included boiler operations, electrical motors, steam plant operations, electronics, air compressors, blueprinting, and teaching. For more than twenty years, he worked at Andrew Corporation in Illinois and was later sent to China to help build factories. As a contractor and gifted problem solver, his familiar question was always “What ya got?”

His kindness was constant. He would work with anyone, drop everything for family, and become the last resort when someone needed help. Many who knew him named Ed as their best friend. He was always ready to listen, guide, and lift others—a man of peace who brought resolution to conflicts.

Ed volunteered as President of the Cherokee Village Townhouse Association, repairing issues countless times and helping tenants whenever they called. He also served at church in many roles including Mission President for Joliet and as a counselor. He loved riding and found joy in service, volunteer work, and quiet acts of rescue. He spent six wonderful years helping people by working various projects with Fred.

Ed Soja leaves behind a legacy of competence, compassion, and unwavering reliability. He was the person you called when nothing else worked and the one who always showed up. His life was defined by love for family and church, steady kindness, and the willingness to solve whatever problem was placed before him.

On November 7, 2026, a wake will be from 1-3 p.m. with the service from 3-5 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 13324 U.S. Hwy. 62/412, Ash Flat, AR 72513.