campus news
Alfred Schwan
1925-2011 Lifelong friend of Bethany Lutheran College
A
dear friend of Bethany Lutheran College was called home in March 2011. Alfred Schwan passed away at the age of 85 in Salina, Kansas. Schwan grew up in Marshall, Minnesota, and was both a vocal and monetary supporter of Bethany Lutheran College. He represented the Schwan family when his late brother Marvin Schwan received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the College in 2008. Marvin Schwan, who died in 1993, founded Schwan Food Corporation. You see their ubiquitous yellow trucks throughout the United States. Alfred Schwan, was the oldest of three brothers, including Marvin and Robert. Alfred and Robert Schwan both worked for the Schwan companies. Robert, who died in 2007, was its longestserving employee. President Dan Bruss and Art Westphal, Chief Development Officer at Bethany, both attended Alfred Schwan’s funeral service held on March 25 in Salina. “Alfred Schwan was a true friend to Bethany Lutheran College as well as so many other Lutheran organizations,” said President Bruss. “We will certainly miss his friendship and concern for Bethany Lutheran College.” After graduating from Marshall High School, Alfred Schwan enlisted in the Navy. He became a naval aviator flying both land and aircraft carrier based planes. He joined the Schwan Company in 1964 helping with the establishment of large-scale manufacturing. He was able to continue his love of flying when he became the Schwan Corporation’s first corporate pilot. Alfred Schwan’s primary role as an employee of the Schwan Corporation
12
Photo by David Norris
Alfred Schwan, pictured here at the Bethany commencement ceremony in 2008, passed away in March at the age of 85.
was to establish frozen pizza plants throughout the country. The largest of the company’s pizza plants is in Salina, where the company produces more than three million pizzas a day. After Marvin Schwan’s death, Alfred Schwan took on
the role of president, CEO, and chairman of the board of Schwan Food Corporation. Even after his retirement, he continued to serve on the board until 2009. Alfred Schwan is survived by his wife, Doris, and their five sons and families.
report | july 2011