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Lavinia Bierschbach, Webster, is the daughter of one of the first settlers of Day County. She attended Webster High School and took summer work at Northern State Teachers College. She married Anton in 1922, and together they raised eight children.

During this period, she served as a 4-H leader for 27 years. She served on the County Extension Board and was named president of the South Dakota 4-H Leaders’ Association in 1940. She has also been active in the program of St. Otto’s Catholic Church, the PTA and the Farmer’s Union in Day County.

This year, she received a 25-year membership pin from the North Webster Extension club, and she also attended a forum for 4-H Leaders at the National 4-H Center in Washington, D.C.

In addition to other activities, she has helped out as a cook at the 4-H leader’s camp, the South Dakota recreation laboratory in the Black Hills and has cooked for 4-H’ers during the State Fair. She has maintained an active interest in mental health, disabled children, Red Cross and other community fund drives.

All eight of the Bierschbach children have some training beyond high school. Combined, the Bierschbach family can count 122 years of education. Delores, Iva, Jim and Alice all attended South Dakota State. Maxine and Asella took nursing at St. Luke's Hospital in Aberdeen. Lois and Dorothy attended Northern State Teachers College.

Besides gardening, Bierschbach has found time for hobbies such as sewing, knitting and crafts.

All of the Bierschbach children hold awards in 4-H work. Since the majority of the children have grown up and have youngsters of their own, the family has expanded to include six granddaughters and 18 grandsons.