Gladys “Dee” Soulek, 97

Gladys “Dee” Soulek, age 97, of Eagan, died peacefully, as the result of a fall, with her family at her side, on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital.  Dee was born on February 11, 1927, in Montgomery, Minnesota, to George and Albina (Jakes) Trcka.  She graduated from Montgomery High School and married Clarence E. Soulek on September 5, 1944, in Montgomery.  Dee's zest for life and strong work ethic took root immediately.  She and Clarence built and owned the Little Dandy Supper Club in Le Center, where Dee served as cook and ran the supper club.  After selling the Little Dandy, they bought the Southside Cafe in Le Center.  For the remainder of her life, she worked at various establishments, always in managerial customer service, the most recent being Schaper Toys.  

Throughout her life, Dee never let age be a limiting factor!  She was a spitfire and often the general (“sarge”) in making anything happen.  She was meticulous with her appearance, always looking well-groomed, chic, and regal.  This translated into her activities as well.  Despite arthritic hands, she embroidered towels for her family, taking care to embroider whatever was the favorite animal or interest of the person to whom the towels were given.  She loved to dance and would do so any chance she got, a favorite being the Lenox Center in St. Louis Park.   She had the opportunity to travel and loved to do so. She enjoyed cards and games, especially euchre, which she played once a week at the Eagan Community Center.

She really enjoyed the many times spent with her family at her cabin at Lake Volney.   She remained vibrant and active and determined to fully engage in whatever opportunity presented itself.  Even at her age, she remembered every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild’s birthday and made it a point to either call or send a card.  Her beautiful smile that radiated from her eyes and her legacy of living life to the fullest is what made every day a gift that will live on in her loving family.  

Dee is survived by her children, James (Susie) Soulek of Le Center, Carol (Roger) Johannsen of Eagan, Patty (Tim) Franzoni of Eagan; daughter-in-law, Jill (Dennis) Rohloff of New Prague; 17 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren.  She is preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Soulek; her partner of 20 years, Tom Yorkson; son, Bob Soulek; granddaughter, Lacey Franzoni; brother, Alvin Trcka.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held Friday, June 28, 2024, from 5-8 p.m. at Ridges at Sand Creek Golf Club (21775 Ridges Dr., Jordan, MN).  

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