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1922 - First 4-year graduating class. Back, l-r: Irene Burke, Florence Dirks, Veva Rockafellow, Margaret Martin. Middle - Dorothy Rockafellow, Dave Erickson, Herman Karasek, Robert Martin and Hazel Shoemaker. Front - Rose Schoessler. For larger view of photo, see YEARBOOKS
Florence Dirks Anderson 1906-1993
Florence Anderson , 86, died Tuesday, Jan. 19, 1993 at the Good Samaritan Village in Sioux Falls.
Florence Dirks was born June 22, 1906, in Dirkstown. She grew up and attended school in Reliance, and was graduated from Reliance High School in 1922. She attended the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, where she received a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in 1926, and a Master’s of Arts degree in 1955. She wrote her thesis on the History of Lyman County.
She married Elmer F. Anderson Aug. 22, 1933, in Kennebec . He died in 1948. She taught in Reliance High School for 38 years, retiring in 1971. She held various positions during those years, including instructor, principal, and superintendent. She moved to Sioux Falls August 15, 1972, and later moved to the Good Samaritan Village.
She was a life member of the State Historical Society, charter and life member of Lyman County Historical Society. She was also a member of the Retired Teachers Association.
Survivors include a brother, Harry Dirks, Ankeny, Iowa, a niece and two nephews: Sandra, David and Ronald
Dirks..She was preceded in death by her husband and four brothers.
Heritage Home, Sioux Falls, and Wevik Funeral Home in Chamberlain were in charge of arrangements.
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Frances Stallman (King) (1957)
SUBMITTED BY SANDRA DIRKS:I don’t believe that in the history of Reliance, SD, there was an individual who cared more deeply about her roots and her students. She kept in touch with many graduates and as a result knew how life stories were progressing.
I remember when Florence would come to spend Christmas vacations. Part of the family ritual was watching Florence open the gifts her students had given her. I also remember what a fan she was of basketball and the state basketball tournaments, also the senior trips she would take as chaperone.
I’m sure she was a difficult taskmaster, but on the other hand I’ll bet you all learned something from her – probably never to give up on your dreams.
From a personal perspective I so enjoyed visiting Reliance and the opportunities that were given me to experience your high school – many, many fond memories.
What a grand idea that you now have a website for everyone to enjoy.
Sandra Dirks
Myrna Schelske (Hale) (1959)
My memories are from my familly moving into town and living next door to "Mrs. Anderson". She not only was my teacher but also neighbor and friend of my parents and all the parents of my classmates..we could do nothing without it being known by everyone before we got home...!!She treated me so fair and taught me so much..Myrna Hale