2024 Maple Leaf Parade Marshal –
Mary Ann Gschwind, fspa

Written by Brad Quarberg

Sister Mary Ann Gschwind knew she had been nominated for Maple Leaf Parade Marshal but was caught off guard when she found out she was selected.

The 2013 Torchlight Parade Marshal Patti Lokken had invited her to help with an idea she had for her daughter Courtney’s “Conductor Wannabe” campaign in April. When Gschwind got to Lokken’s home, three former parade marshals were in the living room and congratulated her as the new Maple Leaf Parade Marshal.

“My first thought was ‘Wow! Is this for real?’” says Gschwind, a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration.

She was thrilled because she has always enjoyed Oktoberfest activities and saw the Fest Family thoroughly enjoying events. Gschwind was extra grateful because she saw her selection as a recognition of all Franciscan Sisters in La Crosse who are celebrating the 175^th year of their founding in Milwaukee, and their presence in La Crosse since 1871.

“It’s a perfect year to be parade marshal,” she notes.

But after the initial surprise, Gschwind’s next concern was getting to Oktoberfest commitments on time.

“I could not imagine driving myself to all the events and finding parking places,” she says. The former marshals assured her she would have Grenadier escorts throughout the week.

Gschwind grew up in La Crosse, so she remembers Oktoberfest’s early years. Her dad was a city policeman, and she remembers the extra work he and his colleagues put in to make the event safe.

Since moving back to La Crosse 22 years ago, Gschwind has always attended the Maple Leaf Parade, usually viewing it from the end of Main Street. She has attended many Festmaster Balls. And, she has written letters of support for a few royal family members, sung an Edelweiss blessing for some events, and enjoyed Fest Family visits at St. Rose Convent.

Now, Gschwind will be leading the Saturday parade. The theme on her Fest button is “Be happy” which is part of her standard email closing: “Don’t worry, be happy.”

Gschwind looks forward to getting to know this year’s Royal Family members and Grenadiers, along with having fun and visiting schools and nursing homes. She’s also excited about attending events she hasn’t frequented before, such as Opening Day.

Religion has been a major part of Gschwind’s life. Because her mother was Lutheran until she converted before marrying, Gschwind often called herself “half Lutheran.”

When her parents both worked the 3-11 p.m. shifts — along with her father’s police responsibilities, her mother was a nurse — Gschwind’s maternal grandmother stayed with her and taught her prayers. Her grandmother often took her to the German Lutheran Church for services and funerals. Her immediate family took her to Mass.

During her freshman year at Aquinas High School, Gschwind felt called to be a Franciscan Sister. She entered the convent in 1955 and in 1958 graduated from St. Rose Convent High School. With her many years of music lessons — piano, organ, cello, clarinet — it was expected she would be a music major and, subsequently, a music teacher.

On July 6, 1960, Gschwind switched majors and later made vows on Aug. 12, 1960. She became an English major and loved teaching high school English for several years.

“More importantly, I have loved being an FSPA,” Gschwind says.

Throughout her career, Gschwind has focused on being a teacher, administrator and FSPA archivist. She has been involved in countless nonprofit boards, ranging from Catholic Charities to the Women’s Fund of Greater La Crosse. Since her retirement after 20 years as FSPA archivist, she also enjoys guiding chapel tours at the convent while observing the reactions of visitors when they first see the beautiful building.

Meet the 2024 Maple Leaf Parade Marshal

Name: Mary Ann Gschwind

Family: Only surviving child of Art and Maggie Gschwind; deceased brother, Gus, and sister, Jeanine

Education: St. Rose Convent High School, 1958; Bachelor of Arts in English, music minor, Viterbo College, Master of Arts in English, Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.; Ed.S., Educational Administration, Michigan State University in East Lansing

Retired educator: Teacher and administrator mainly in the United States, but also in the Czech Republic; FSPA Vice President, Archivist

Volunteer work: More than 30 boards and many committees since 1980; currently 10 boards and five committees.

Hobbies/interests: Reading, playing piano; knitting; crocheting; walking; traveling

Former Maple Leaf Parade Marshals