Brenda Bak passed peacefully to her heavenly home on April 6, 2026, in Pierre, SD.
Brenda Marie was born in Huron, South Dakota on January 14, 1949, to Alice (Winter) and Melvin Brosz. They lived near Alpena until Brenda was about 4 1/2 years old when they moved to a small farm south of Wessington Springs. She attended Nesmith Country School until the family moved off the farm and into town.
She graduated from Wessington Springs High School (WSHS) in 1967 and went on to SDSU graduating with a BS degree in Home Economics education. In 1978 Brenda finished her master's degree in education at the University of Wyoming.
Her first teaching assignment was at Andes Central School District in Lake Andes South Dakota. From there she went to teach at the State Training School in Plankinton, South Dakota where she started the Occupational Home Economics program offering food service, child development and interior design.
Through this program she met the love of her life, Vern Bak and they were married on June 14, 1975, at the Methodist Church in Wessington Springs.
After a brief time living in Thornton, CO they moved to Pierre, SD making it their home for over 40 years. During those years Brenda taught at Stanley County school District until she assumed the position of state supervisor of home economics education and the State Advisor of FHAHERO. She enjoyed that position for 15 years and received numerous state and national leadership awards. She returned to teaching until retiring in May 2007 due to being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.
Brenda was the stepmother to Vern’s two children from a previous marriage. Risa resides in Yankton and is part of the Building Ability Services program. Stepson Ross was killed in a motorcycle crash on June 24, 1987.
Brenda enjoyed many hobbies, one of which was music. She started singing at an early age and continued until her death. At the time of her death, she was an active member of River Harmony Women's Barbershop serving as board president for seven years. Due to her health Brenda moved into Maryhouse where she would sing for Monday services along with leading the singing at the monthly birthday parties. She enjoyed every note!
She was an accomplished seamstress doing everything from alterations to full wedding parties. Along with sewing she enjoyed crafting and quilting again, sharing those talents with other residents.
Brenda is survived by stepdaughter Risa Bak, sisters Faye (Jerry) Kaiser, Becky Wall, brother-inlaw Gene Bak, Uncle Don (Diane) Brosz, many nieces, nephews, cousins. Also surviving Brenda are her chosen bonus family the Dusty Carroll’s.
Preceding her in death were husband Vern, stepson Ross, parents, grandparents, brother and sister in laws, aunts and uncles.
A celebration of life will be held June 27, 2026, from 1-3 p.m. at the Pierre Senior Center.
In lieu of flowers the family prefers donations to be made in Brenda’s name to a charity of your choosing.