Emil H. Soika, Jr., age 88 of Phil Campbell, Alabama passed away September 11, 2026. He attended Mountain View Baptist Church.
Visitation with family and friends will be Thursday, September 17, 2026 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Mountain View Baptist Church, Phil Campbell, AL. The memorial service will begin at 6:00 p.m. with Bro. Sammy Taylor officiating.
Emil Soika was a wonderful storyteller. He collected anecdotes and sagas to retell with a signature, enthusiastic sense of humor. Time spent with Emil was full of laughter and wit. Born on March 7, 1938 in Wauwatosa Wisconsin, Emil attended Wauwatosa East high school and earned a mechanical engineering degree from Marquette University and a Masters Of Business Administration from Northwestern University. His career as an engineer and businessman led him through tennis ball technology at Wilson, guitar construction creating his own brand and many years in the medical device industry, including Abbott labs, Baxter labs, and the CEO of Criticare systems. He was also a gifted guitar player who performed with bands at local events including the Symphony in Milwaukee as well as many living room concerts. Emil died peacefully at home on September 11, 2026.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years Mary Alice three sons, David, Michael, and Brian, three daughter-in-law‘s Elizabeth, Kelli and Marah, seven grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. A lifelong Catholic, Emil will be placed at rest in Holy Cross Cemetery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
