Marvel L. Kallappa, 72, of Woonsocket, formerly of Huron, passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at the Huron Regional Medical Center.  

Her arrangements are incomplete at this time.

Marvel L. Schwede, the daughter of Arlie and Pauline (Clinton) Schwede, was born on March 21, 1952, in Dothan, Ala. Marvel grew up in Dothan and graduated from Dothan High School. She also attended Trinity College in Ellendale, N.D., and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Christian Education.

Marvel lived in Dallas, Texas, for 20 years before moving to Bismark, N.D., in 1985. During her time in Dallas, Marvel worked for the Quaker State Oil Company and Dish Network. While living in Bismark, Marvel worked as a realtor. In 2010, Marvel moved to Huron and worked as a nurse’s aide for Sun Quest Nursing Home (now Avantara Huron) and the Center for Independence until her retirement in 2017.

Marvel joined David Kallappa Sr. in marriage on Jan. 5, 2006, in Wakpala, when she became a wife, mother, and grandmother.

Marvel was a member of the Huron Church of the Open Bible in Huron where she helped lead children’s church.  She loved her plants, enjoyed reading books, baking, and doing puzzles and crafts.

Marvel is survived by her four stepchildren, Rose Kallappa, Grant Kallappa, Hallie Kallappa, and Sylvia Kerlin, all of Huron; 10 step-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and foster children.

Marvel was preceded in death by her parents; husband, David in 2022; her brothers, Arlie Kenneth Schwede and Mark (Pam) Schwede; and sister, Rose (Larry) Schanz.

Myrtle Joyce Backlund, 91, of Pierre, died Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls. 

Visitation was on Tuesday, May 28, at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Pierre. Funeral service was on Wednesday, May 29, at the church. Burial was Thursday, May 30, in Black Hills National Cemetery at Sturgis.

Myrtle was born to Henry Wells and Margaret (Elliott) Wells on Feb. 2, 1933, in Salem. She grew up on the family farm near Salem and attended Salem country school. After graduating from Salem High School, Myrtle attended General Beadle college for a year and went on to teach school.

Myrtle married Charles Backlund on May 30, 1954. Myrtle worked as a librarian for many years, first in Woonsocket and then in Pierre, retiring from the South Dakota State Library in 1992. She was active in the church and the community. She was a Cub Scout Den mother for Doug and Ted’s troops, a 4-H club leader for Susan’s and Sally’s club chapter, and taught Sunday School for nine years in Woonsocket. She was a member of Lutheran Circle and Bible study, Missouri Breaks Audubon Club, and the Red Hats Society in Pierre.

Myrtle is survived by her husband, Charles; brother, Martin Wells; children, Douglas Backlund, Susan (Richard) Leach, Sally Thom and Ted (Wendy) Backlund; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Margaret Wells; brothers, Robert Wells, Franklin Wells, and Cliften Wells; sisters, Ileen Tarrell, Della Light, Charlotte Rayl, Eugena Parry, Violet Smith, and Carol Thompson; and granddaughter, Aimee Lange.