The engagement and approaching marriage of Shannon Beitelspacher and Eric Backstrom of Sioux Falls, S.D., is announced by their parents, Dean and Diane Beitelspacher of Le Mars and Rick and Judy Backstrom of Renner, S.D.

The couple is planning a small wedding with family and close friends on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2006, at 4 p.m. at the Renner Lutheran Church. The reception will follow the ceremony at the Ramada Inn and Suites in Sioux Falls.

Shannon graduated from South Dakota State University in 2000 with her bachelor of science in nursing degree and in 2005 with her master in science degree. She is employed as a certified nurse practitioner at Avera Women's Specialty Clinics in Sioux Falls.

Eric graduated from the University of South Dakota in 1994 and received his master's degree in business administration from USD in 2004. He is employed as a marketing manager at Capital Card Services, Inc. in Sioux Falls.