The Elgin Cheese Days Committee is proud to announce that the 2024 Elgin Cheese Days Grand Marshals are Al and Franny Schwantz!

Al was born and raised in Elgin and was a 17 letter athlete in football, basketball, baseball and track. After high school Al attended Winona State University. In 1966 Al left Elgin for a time and was drafted into military service.

Franny hails from Red Wing where she graduated from Villa Maria Academy in Frontenac in 1967. She enrolled in Rochester Beauty College and graduated in 1968.

Upon his return from military service, Al and Franny met and courted and were married in 1971. They settled in Elgin where they raised their family. They were blessed with three children; Tara, Todd, and Tyscen. They were also blessed with two beautiful granddaughters, Ainsley and Jayda.

Throughout their life in Elgin, they have been nothing short of loyal members of the community.

Al has been a member of the Elgin American Legion since 1972 and was a member of the Elgin Fire Department for 21 years.

Franny brought style to Elgin as a stylist at Jim’s Family Salon in Elgin for an impressive 41 years.

Together, they are charter members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and have been very instrumental in many church activities over the years. With their love of sports, they have been avid cheerleaders of the Watchmen and the Bulldogs and love supporting our school sports programs.

Al and Franny also enjoy their classic car and attending car shows and spending time with family and friends. Their love of travel has taken them to many interesting places, but they always enjoy coming back to their beloved home, Elgin.

We celebrate Al and Franny for their many years of community service to the City of Elgin and for their love of our community and for being wonderful examples of the people that make this a great place to live.