Prairie Nyx

Prairie Nyx, an infectious, twin spirit known also as Jon Backstrom, died peacefully surrounded by the love of their family on January 27, 2023. After a pacemaker replacement, Prairie's heart unexpectedly stopped. The valiant efforts of the Indianola Fire dept and Mercy Medical Center staff gave our family the opportunity to say goodbye.

Born in San Diego on September 29, 1955, to Ens. Einar Backstrom and Jane Backstrom, their childhood was spent traveling the world as a Navy brat, exploring cities like San Francisco, Okinawa, Crete, Brooklyn and Manhattan independently as a free-range child. They were very involved in Boy Scouts, achieving Eagle Scout. Not always such an innocent boy scout, they once played a life-altering prank on their little sister, Heidi, involving a talking skull on her bed with the help of a walkie-talkie.

California Lutheran University fostered their love of learning and bicycling, there they prided themselves on double-century weekends on their bike. They were particularly proud of a stint working for the Dallas Cowboys training camp.

After college, they pursued a Master of Science degree at Purdue University. This led to their life's passion of computer programming. In 1982, ahead of the curve in computer science, they became a Ph.D. candidate at Indiana University working on Instructional Systems Technology.

At Indiana University, Prairie met the love of their life and eventual life partner, Pamela Furlong Backstrom. Prairie traded academia for family life, becoming a father to Pam's two children, Elizabeth and Maridith, and fathering their first son Erik. With a family to take care of, they could no longer make the terrible life choice of being a grad student. A prized guitar was even sold to make sure bills were paid.

The family eventually moved to Iowa, and two more sons came along, Lars and Nils; so many hungry minds to feed! After several years of hard work, Prairie's programming skills blossomed into a successful career in software development. Dedicated to their craft, they problem-solved around the clock, even in their sleep, for Meredith Corporation and Wells Fargo.

Prairie loved music, collecting many instruments, some they actually played. A master of the selfie, Prairie enjoyed taking them and sending them to friends and family. Friends were collected through Roller Derby, Women's Music Festivals, spiritual communities, online, and around town. They never met a stranger. Every person was a new friend to be made. Ever the conversationalist, a chance encounter would leave their victim feeling not only valued but respected.

A patient planner to the point of procrastination. Prairie spent the better part of the last 20 years "cleaning their house" and couldn't say no to a well-crafted cardboard box. A kind-hearted and generous spirit, Prairie even left their family a stack of fully stamped Buffet City cards for free meals. Friends could always count on dinner on Prairie, always trust they had a coupon.

Raised in the Lutheran church, Prairie was a member of Redeemer Lutheran church in Indianola, IA. As a connoisseur of spirituality, they enjoyed worshipping with many different faith communities. As a non-skating official for the Old Capitol City Rollers roller derby, they scored derby bouts and made friends. They were honored to be a bridesmaid for a derby friend.

Prairie meant a lot to many people; partner to Pamela Furlong Backstrom; parent to Elizabeth (Dan) Eagles, Maridith (Jeff) Morris, Erik (Sherilyn) Backstrom, Lars (Caitlin) Backstrom, and Nils Backstrom; Grandmapa to Christopher Ewoldsen, Kolby Green; Quillan McMurry, Malaya McMurry, Ehen Morris, Enzo Morris; Fintan Backstrom, Alaina Backstrom; James Goodsell, and Heidi (Bill) Thompson was Jon's little sister. There were many nieces, nephews, and infinite friends. Also surviving are the wonderful staff at Buffet City.

Prairie's body was cremated after a private family viewing. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 11:30 am at The First Unitarian Church of Des Moines, 1800 Bell Ave Des Moines, IA. Wear whatever is comfortable; orange was a favorite color, but maybe you'd rather wear a gorgeous dress or even your best software t-shirt.

Prairie's spirit is carried on with joy and laughter, and learning. To honor them, find something irreverent to laugh at, use a coupon to buy a friend dinner, give a kid an instrument, or teach them code. Always remember we're all just hungry minds to feed.