Obituaries College of Arts and Sciences Newsletter | 11 BECKY MALSOM June 9, 1978 — January 22, 2026 Becky Ann Malsam, 47, a beloved daughter, sister and partner, passed away peacefully at her home in Aberdeen on January 22, 2026, surrounded by family. Becky’s wishes were to be cremated with no formal services held. Becky was born to Ron and Melinda (Kahl) Malsam on June 9, 1978, in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Raised in Aberdeen, Becky graduated from Aberdeen Central High School in 1996. She furthered her education at Northern State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and graduated at the top of her class. Her academic achievements reflected her dedication and passion for learning. Becky lived a life characterized by her warm spirit, creative talents and deep affection for her family and friends. She was known for her love of photography, particularly black-and-white imagery and for her skill in ceramics. She found joy in cooking and baking, often sharing her culinary creations with loved ones. Travel was another one of her passions and she cherished the many adventures she had with her significant other of many years, Scott Suedmeier. Together, they explored various countries, enjoying the sun-soaked beaches of Mexico, where the couple loved to parasail. They also visited enchanting destinations, including England, Ireland, Scotland, Paris and Rome. In addition to her many interests, Becky had a particular fondness for animals, especially her beloved dogs, Logan and Ralphies, whom she affectionately referred to as her boys. Becky is survived by her parents, Ron and Melinda Malsam; her brother Chad (Kara) Malsam; her significant other, Scott Suedmeier; her nephew, Connor; her extended family sisters, Jessica SundbergStage and Mindy Santema; and, of course, her cherished dogs, Logan and Ralphies. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandpa, Reinhart Kahl; her paternal grandparents, Romanous and Virginia Malsam; and her aunt, Angie Malsam. Becky’s life was a tapestry of love, adventure and creativity. She touched the hearts of many and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Avera Hospice and Sanford Oncology for the wonderful care they gave to Becky. Dr. King joined the faculty of Northern State College in 1980 and taught through the institution’s transition to Northern State University, remaining there until his retirement in 2005. Over more than twenty-five years, he played a central role in the intellectual life of the university. He taught widely in European history, Western civilization and philosophy and was known for courses that demanded careful reading, disciplined thinking and engagement with enduring questions. He believed that students should encounter ideas seriously and directly and he approached teaching as a shared intellectual endeavor rather than a performance. He was widely regarded as a challenging and exacting instructor, a tough grader who held students to high standards of clarity, evidence and argument, an approach that many former students later came to value deeply. Dr. King also contributed significantly to the university beyond the classroom. In 1984, he was the recipient of Northern State College’s Outstanding Faculty Award, reflecting the respect he earned from students and colleagues alike. He served as Director of the Honors Program, where he worked to sustain a culture of intellectual seriousness and independent thought among motivated undergraduates. Many former students remember him as a professor who listened closely, expected much and took their work seriously. As a scholar, Dr. King specialized in early modern English history. His research took him repeatedly to archives in the United Kingdom, where he worked patiently with local court records and related materials. His publications contributed to the preservation and understanding of sources that remain essential for historians of early English legal and social history. His scholarly work reflected a quiet rigor and respect for evidence that also characterized his teaching and professional conduct. Former colleagues at Northern State University have remarked on a line from his family’s obituary: “Walter valued observation over noise, substance over show and connection over convenience.” These words resonate strongly with how he was known on campus, as a colleague and friend who listened carefully, worked thoughtfully and treated both people and ideas with seriousness. May we and our university, strive to uphold those same values. Dr. King is survived by his wife, Janet King; his daughter, Tamara King; and a large extended family. He is remembered with respect and gratitude by his colleagues, students and the wider Northern State University community. Obituary Link: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/walterking-obituary?id=60632966
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