“Supporting a Tradition of Excellence”
The Dieringer community lost a true legend when Ruggles passed away on December 13, 2022.
Ruggles G. Larson Dieringer Middle School Head Teacher/Principal (1959-1989)
Growing up in a tiny Midwest town during the Great Depression, hunting gophers for bounty and attending a one-room schoolhouse may have been the perfect petri dish for creating one of Dieringer’s most colorful personalities. Ruggles G. Larson was born March 1, 1934 and was one of three children raised on his parent’s small farm near Thief River Falls, Minnesota. Seeking a better life, the family moved to Tacoma in 1945 where Ruggles took up boxing, a sport that he would continue to enjoy throughout his life. Ruggles graduated from Lincoln High School and entered Washington State College (WSU) before joining the Marines in 1952. After meeting and marrying wife Nancy, Ruggles used the GI Bill to complete his degree, and in 1959 accepted a position teaching math and PE in the tiny Dieringer School District. Ruggles became principal of Dieringer Middle School in 1972, and his vision of student involvement led to the Shamrock Point System which for years was known as Bulldog Service Hours. Ruggles passion for fitness motivated him to create Dieringer Fun Runs which offered runners of all ages the chance to compete. He went on to serve as a wonderful role model running an incredible 26 marathons. In 2010, Ruggles G. Larson was named the first recipient of the DEF Hall of Fame Award. The Dieringer community lost a true legend when Ruggles passed away on December 13, 2022.