Edward Charles Soulek

Edward Charles Soulek, 68, of Challis, Idaho, passed away peacefully at his home on March 29, 2026.

Ed was born on May 24, 1957, in Mitchell, South Dakota, to Warren and Mary Soulek. He grew up in South Dakota alongside his four siblings and graduated from Kimball High School in 1975. He went on to attend the University of South Dakota, where he studied Automotive Technology, beginning a lifelong career doing what he loved.

On May 8th, he married the love of his life, Denise Ann Audiss, in Chamberlain, South Dakota. Together they built a life centered around family, hard work, and the outdoors.

Ed began his career as an automotive technician at Don's Ford Mercury before working alongside his brother at Tom Soulek Trucking, hauling cattle. In 1989, he moved his family to Challis, Idaho, where he worked at Jenson Oil as an auto technician. He later worked at the Thompson Creek Mine as a small vehicle mechanic. After seven years there, Ed followed his entrepreneurial spirit and started his own auto repair shop and towing service, which he proudly ran for 21 years. Later, he worked as an equipment operator for K&K Enterprises.

Ed had a deep passion for dirt track racing, starting his racing career at Miller Central Speedway in Miller, South Dakota, and Dakota State Fair Speedway in Huron, South Dakota. He was the Street Stock Points Champion at Miller Central Speedway in 1982. His love for racing carried on throughout his life, eventually passing that passion down to his sons, Doug and Dave, as they raced at Salmon Valley Speedway and other tracks across Idaho.

Beyond racing, Ed loved the outdoors. Whether it was elk hunting in Idaho, deer hunting back on the family farm in South Dakota, or simply spending time fishing and camping, he cherished every moment. One of his greatest joys was sharing those experiences with his grandchildren, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Ed is survived by his loving wife, Denise Soulek; his children, Doug Soulek of Beaverton, Oregon, Dave and Lisa Soulek of Caldwell, Idaho, and Kathy and Sebastian Letteer of Salkum, Washington; and his six grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Tom Soulek of Garretson, South Dakota, Barb Meyer of Mt. Vernon, South Dakota, Bill Soulek of Kimball, South Dakota, and John Soulek of Kimball, South Dakota.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Mary Soulek.

A graveside service and celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 18th at the Legion Hall in Challis, Idaho.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the North Custer Rural Fire District, P.O. Box 916, Challis, Idaho 83226, or to St. Luke's Cancer Institute Treasure Valley.

Ed will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love for his family, and his passion for racing and the outdoors. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched, the family he raised, and the memories he created.