[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 45 (Thursday, March 31, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S2042]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING ALFRED SCHWAN

 Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I wish to honor the memory of a 
caring and charismatic business icon and decorated Navy veteran.
  Alfred Schwan, who passed away on March 18, 2011, helped found a 
small, all-American family business with his brothers Marvin and Robert 
and built The Schwan Food Company to what it is today--a successful, 
frozen-food company with thousands of employees and millions of 
customers
  Alfred was known as an adventurous and outgoing person who had a 
quick smile, relentless energy and a can-do attitude.
  Alfred started in the frozen food business early. Born in 1925 to 
Paul and Alma Schwan, as a young man he helped his father at the 
Marshall Ice Cream Company make popsicles and ice cream bars.
  But Alfred did not go straight into the family business. He left to 
fulfill a dream and serve his country as a pilot and joined the U.S. 
Naval Aviation Corps. Alfred flew torpedo bombers and taught anti-
submarine warfare.
  He met his wife Doris during a blind date at a USO Club. They married 
in 1946, the same year Alfred was awarded Navy Wings of Gold. A year 
later they had their first of five sons.
  Answering a call from his family, Alfred joined the family business 
in 1964 to oversee factory operations and company drivers. Those 
company yellow trucks have become beloved across the nation. I know I 
remember fondly seeing the yellow Schwan truck in my neighborhood.
  With a commitment to integrity and hard work, Alfred went on to 
oversee the Schwan pizza business. He guided the production of Schwan 
pizza in their plant in Salina, KS, for three decades while also 
overseeing plants in Kentucky and Texas and in my home State of 
Minnesota.
  He used his flying skills to crisscross the Nation on behalf of 
Schwan--becoming the company's first aviation department.
  After the death of his brother Marvin, Alfred was appointed CEO, 
president and chairman of Schwan in 1993. He retired as chairman in 
2009 at the age of 83.
  Among the many public honors this inspirational and ever optimistic 
leader received includes being honored by the School Nutrition 
Association of Kansas as an Outstanding Industry Member of the Year and 
induction into the Frozen Food Hall of Fame as well as receiving 
Schwan's most prestigious honor--the Marvin M. Schwan Heritage of 
Quality Award.
  It is appropriate to honor Alfred's passing as March is National 
Frozen Food Month. He gave his energy passionately to this important 
industry.
  With more than 700 facilities nationwide, the frozen food industry 
employs nearly 100,000 Americans in the manufacturing sector alone, 
generating a payroll of approximately $3 billion.
  My home State of Minnesota is home to Schwan's headquarters and over 
7,500 jobs in frozen food. Alfred was such an important leader and 
citizen of Minnesota when he retired Marshall, Minnesota declared 
January 29, ``Alfred Schwan Day.''
  During Frozen Food Month, it is important to take a moment to 
remember all-American entrepreneurs and inventors like Alfred Schwan 
and Clarence Birdseye--an American inventor--who ushered in a food 
revolution in 1930 when his line of frozen foods first hit grocery 
stores. Few other food choices provide consumers with the benefits and 
flexibility offered by frozen foods.
  I imagine Alfred and Clarence had a lot in common.
  On behalf of all Americans, I thank Alfred Schwan for his service to 
our country and to U.S. consumers. Frozen foods are a staple in 
American homes, office lunch rooms and school cafeterias. They provide 
an important source of healthy, affordable and convenient food choices 
that will continue to help feed our Nation and the world.
  It is appropriate that we take a moment to recognize the passing of a 
great innovator and pioneer this Frozen Food Month.

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