Melody Lynn Shoop Paklin, 67, passed away June 9, 2026, in Sturgis, South Dakota at home due to an accident.

Melody was born November 6, 1958 to Phillip Edward and Sylvia Joan (Kinney) Shoop in Deadwood, SD.

She lived in Terraville, SD while growing up and she graduated from Lead High School and went on to attend cosmetology school. Melody worked many jobs, mainly ones caring for people, Golden Ridge Assisted Living in Lead, Deadwood Medical Center, Dakota Arms, Lawrence County Jail and Walmart.

Melody enjoyed singing karaoke with her friends, hunting, fishing, baking, cooking and spending time with family and friends. Mel enjoyed baking the best pies for her friends. Even though she did not care for pies herself.

She enjoyed putting reunions together like the Shoop reunion and the Terraville reunions.

Melody married Harley J. Helsing on September 29, 1990 in Lead, SD. After Harley’s passing she married Douglas F. Paklin on July 18, 2015 in Whitewood, SD. At the time of her passing Melody was living with her special friend, Hime Bourk .

She is survived by her special friend, Hime Bourk; her special cats, Boomer and Peta; siblings, Emily Kroska, John Shoop, and Scott Shoop; foster sister, Anita Lewis; and many nephews, nieces and cousins.

Melody was preceded in death by her parents and her two husbands.

You are invited to celebrate Melody's life Sunday, June 21, 2026 at 4:00 pm at the St. Onge Bar in St. Onge.