Eva Mary Soeka

April 25, 1952  -  October 22, 2025

Eva Mary Soeka Obituary

Born April 25, 1952, in Kenosha, WI, the only child of John and Dolores (Henry) Soeka.

Eva began a lifetime of learning and pursuit of knowledge at St. Mark’s Catholic Grade School, graduating first in her class. She graduated in top 5 in her class from St. Joseph High School and achieved her BA in Political Science from Marquette University in 1974. Eva accomplished her JD from Marquette University in 1977, one of only a few women in the law school at that time.

Eva had a trailblazing career at Marquette University. She led as Assistant and Associate Dean of Marquette University Law School (1982-1993), Interim Director of Institute of Urban Life (1993-1995) and Director and Associate Professor of Graduate Program in Dispute Resolution (1995-2015). She also maintained a private practice in dispute resolution and was the first female chair of the Wisconsin Judicial Council.

Eva had a passion for interior design, remodeled several homes and advised others on their projects. She was a passionate Marquette basketball fan and also enjoyed cooking and sharing meals with friends. She was civic-minded and politically involved and practiced being an agent of change.

Eva was a dear friend to many including in particular Jackie & David Dupree of Evanston, IL, Mary & Mike Zongolowicz of Scottsdale, AZ, Patti McCaffrey of Middlebury, VT, Ann & Chuck Rohrer of Wauwatosa and Laila Valters of Wauwatosa. She is also survived by her dear dog Harry Truman, who provided wonderful companionship and adventure.

Visitation at Church of the Gesu,1145 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53233, on Friday, December 5, 2025 9AM-10AM. A Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM. Interment at a future date at St. James Cemetery in Kenosha, WI

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to support Dr. Karen-Sue Carlson’s research in hematology can be made to the Medical College of Wisconsin, Attn: Office of Institutional Advancement, P.O. Box 26509, Milwaukee, WI 53226-0509. Gifts may also be made online at www.mcw.edu/giving/ways-to-give/donate-now.