Paulette Cecilia Takeda, aged 77 years, 8 months, and 16 days, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2025, after a short but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 29th at 2:30 pm at Miller Funeral Home, West-Side location, 6200 W. 41st St. Sioux Falls, SD. Visitation will begin with the family present at 1:30 pm. A private family burial will be held at a later date.

Born November 5, 1947, on a farm near Tripp, South Dakota, Paulette was the youngest of six children. Her early years were filled with the rhythms of rural life, where she became actively involved in 4-H, proudly showing animals and quickly becoming known for her exceptional baking skills. She graduated from Plano, SD High School—held in a one-room schoolhouse—in 1966.

Paulette went on to attend the College of Automation in Des Moines, Iowa, where she met the love of her life, Walter Takeda. They married in 1967 and began a journey together that took them across the Midwest before eventually settling in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Together, they raised two daughters, Cynthia and Crystal, in a home filled with warmth and love.

Outgoing and friendly, Paulette loved striking up conversations with just about anyone she met. She worked at Lewis for 26 years, 1986 to 2010.  After retiring, she enjoyed volunteering at St. Michael's Elementary School. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life: fishing trips, garage sales, puzzles, coloring, card games, and her cherished collection of pig figurines. She was also an avid reader, especially fond of romance novels, and shared her love of animals with every pet that passed through her door.

Paulette adored her grandchildren and treasured every moment spent with them. Her sweet tooth was legendary, and she often shared her life philosophy with a smile: "Eat dessert first. Life is short!"

Her cancer diagnosis, received on Father's Day in 2025, was met with remarkable grace and dignity. True to her nature, Paulette faced the end of life with strength, acceptance, and an unwavering love for her family.

She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, love, and resilience. Paulette will be deeply missed by her husband Walter, her daughter Cindy (Scott) Bullis, Colorado Springs, CO; son-in-law Brent Perry; brothers Allen (Margie) Thomas, Sagle, ID, and Dale (Ruth)Thomas, Mitchell, SD; sister Lucille Boyer, Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren Kimiko, Dakota, Thomas, Nicole, Brenton and Kaneo; her beloved dog Lando, extended family, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Paulette was preceded in death by her parents, John and Susan Thomas; daughter Crystal Perry; sisters Ila Christensen and Delores Brutty; brother, baby Verlyn Thomas.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation in Paulette's name to Feeding South Dakota. https://www.feedingsouthdakota.org/ways-to-give/donate