Julie Sellner Wilson, 2000

Julie Sellner Wilson, 2000

Parents: Richard & Karen Sellner, Sleepy Eye
Currently: New Ulm, MN
Julie remembers fondly, memories of the coronation night. “After a long day of judging 6 candidates, only 3 of us would be crowned. I was the last one crowned and it was such a relief and so exciting! It was my only opportunity since my dad sold the cows the following year.” Julie is currently married to Cory Wilson, who is a Nicollet county dairy farmer. They have a 1 year old son, Carter. Julie works as an Agriculture/Commercial Loan Processor at South Point Federal Credit Union in Sleepy Eye. To current princesses, Julie advises, “Enjoy your time promoting the dairy industry, but don’t take it for granted. Being a princess is a privilege and not a right, so take it seriously and make time for appearances.” Julie continues to serve the dairy industry in several ways: she is currently the President/Chairperson of the Nicollet County ADA and she helps out when needed at her husband’s parent’s farm.

Audrey Mohr, 2006

Brown County Dairy Princess Audrey Mohr and cousin at her "Congratulations" Celebration, following her coronation as Princess Kay of the Milky Way.

It was an awesome honor to have a Princess Kay to be available for local farm visits.

Official Princess Kay of the Milky Way portrait.

Ah...the famous butter carving, hours of work for a delicious piece of art!

Sure looks like a good match to us!

Audrey, at the Princess Kay Coronation...I think she was surprised to have earned the crown! But we all know she deserved it!

At the MN State Fair, Audrey enjoyed handing out milk at the "All You Can Drink" Milk Stand.

Audrey Mohr, 2006

Parents: Ron & Penny Mohr, New Ulm, MN
Currently: New Ulm, MN
In addition to serving as a Brown County Dairy Princess, Audrey is also the only Princess Kay of the Milky Way to come from Brown County! Audrey’s head was carved in butter in 2006. Audrey shares, “I still have the butterhead in my freezer and haven’t decided what I want to do with it yet!” “I enjoyed the entire state fair as Princess Kay-the media promotion was overwhelming! I enjoyed throwing the first pitch at a MN Twins baseball game as Princess Kay. I also enjoyed having 11 of the 12 2007 PK finalists tour the New Ulm AMPI butter plant where our butterheads are packaged!” Audrey is a geology student at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. She loves her work as an Admissions Intern and has completed undergraduate geology research projects over the past two summers. “My fiancé and I will be married next summer after which I will attend graduate school in Minnesota or Wisconsin for hydrogeology or environmental policy.” To current princesses, Audrey advises: “Enjoy your days as a princess! You have a wonderful responsibility. Don’t be afraid to think creatively when presenting to all audiences; there’s almost always a new way to do a promotion.” When asked about promoting dairy in her life now, Audrey shares, “Eau Claire is a relatively urban community so I meet lots of people that have never experienced dairy farms, agriculture or even heard of Princess Kay! I like to share my experiences with my classmates and coworkers and look forward to applying my agriculture background to my future career.

Robyn Schnobrich 2003 & 2004

Robyn Schnobrich stares down her butterhead at the MN State Fair in 2004.

2003 Princesses Julia Fischer, Robyn Schnobrich and Sarah Haala had the opportunity to visit the State Capitol  and speak with various representatives.

At the State Fair, Robyn enjoyed riding in the daily parade, pictured here with another finalist for Princess Kay of the Milky Way.

Robyn is pictured above at the Southern MN Youth Dairy Show.

Robyn Schnobrich and Audrey Mohr visited area day cares during the summer of 2004.

Robyn Schnobrich  2003 & 2004

Parents: Richard & Kathy Schnobrich, New Ulm
Currently: Gibbon, MN
In addition to serving as a Brown County Dairy Princess, Robyn was also chosen as a Finalist for Princess Kay in 2004. She also had the honor of having her likeness carved in butter at the Minnesota State Fair. Robyn shares her favorite promotion: “My favorite promotions were giving away milk and cheese at the New Ulm Farm City Hub Club Farm Show and giving away root beer floats at the Bruggemann Appreciation Day. It allowed to be give back to those producers that I represented.” Robyn will be marrying Andrew Schwab, late August 2010. She currently works for Minnesota DHIA (Dairy Herd Improvement Association) as a Marketing Director, and has held this position for the past 3 years. Robyn also dairy farms with her parents Richard and Kathy. To current princesses, Robyn shares, “Have fun and smile! You never know who’s watching!” To promote dairy products still, Robyn is a dairy farmer and makes sure that dairy products (milk, ice cream, etc.) are at all business meetings for DHIA.

Erin Schnobrich Eischen, 2001

Erin Schnobrich Eischen, crowned 2001, is pictured here with her father Richard.

Erin Schnobrich Eischen, 2001

Parents: Richard & Kathy Schnobrich, New Ulm
Currently: Comfrey, MN
Erin shares her favorite part of being princess: “Teaching youth about the dairy industry was what I enjoyed the most. We visited schools and daycares while I was princess and it was disappointing that so few children actually knew where their milk came from. The children were amazed to learn how the milk came from the farmers’ barn to the grocery store where their parents purchased it.” Erin has been married to Matt Eischen for 4 years. She is currently working in Windom, MN as an Accounting Clerk for Fairland Management Company. To current princesses, Erin says, “Reach out to the youth in our communities, they are our future.” To continue promoting dairy products Erin reminds people that dairy products are a part of a healthy diet and she encourages them to have their “3-A-Day”!

Nikki Schnobrich Aschenbrenner, 1991

Nikki Schnobrich Aschenbrenner, 1991

Parents: Richard & Kathy Schnobrich, New Ulm
Currnetly: New Ulm, MN 56085
Nikki really enjoyed the parades, where she was able to see all of the people from the local communities. Nikki is married to Randy Aschenbrenner. They have 4 children: Cody, Brooke, Bryanna & Blaire. They crop farm in Nicollet County and Nikki works full time at Kraft Foods in New Ulm as an Inventory Specialist. To current princesses, Nikki advises: “Keep spreading the word about the Dairy Industry. As there become fewer and fewer dairy farms, the public loses sight of what it is all about; where the products come from and how things are really made. A lot of children believe that the products they consumer are made in the grocery store.” As a consumer Nikki always tries to make sure that her children have been exposed to a wide variety of dairy products.

Mary Windschitl Eckstein, 1985

Photo of the 1985 canidates for Regional Dairy Princess.  Mary is second from the left in the front row.  Across from Mary, also in the front row,  is Patty Zeug Rosenhammer formerly of Redwood County, now married to John Rosenhammer of Sleepy Eye and Brown County ADA Board members!

Mary pictured here with Princess Kay of the Milky Way Barbra Jean Bianchi as well as Regional Dairy Princess Lisa Lax (from Brown County).

Parades were some of Mary's favorite events during the summer!

Mary, here is in the Essig Centennial Parade, where they (Mary & co-princess Cheryl Marti) were fortunate enough to get a lift from a car, since their car never showed up for the parade!

Mary B. Windschitl Eckstein, 1985

Parents: Alvin & Theresa Windschitl, New Ulm
Currently: New Ulm MN
Mary’s favorite promotion/memory was “getting to know co-princess Cheryl Marti, and definitely the parades, especially the Essig Centennial parade when our pre-arranged car didn’t show up and we got to ride on the running boards of an antique car!” Mary currently is a homemaker in New Ulm, with six children; Heidi age 21 attends University of Notre Dame, Emily age 19 attends Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Stacy is 16 and attends Cathedral High School, Kelli age 14 will attend Cathedral High School, Olivia age 4 and Jeremy 1 year. Mary still has her crown and notes that her younger children enjoy hearing that Mom used to be a princess. To current princesses, Mary advises: “Keep in touch with your co-princesses and take lots of pictures because the memories fade too quickly!” Even though Mary isn’t in the dairy industry now, she still is involved with the agriculture industry. Mary is a CPA by profession, and has worked on financial statement audits and tax planning, preparation and reviews for many clients in the agriculture industry. Mary also shares that she enjoyed other events like promotion events at Dannheim’s Kuhstahl in New Ulm, KNUJ Moo-Off (Cheryl Marti was a judge), Randall Foods Dairy Days Coloring Contest (Mary was the judge), and Dairy Day at the Dome.

Pat Zwaschka Ahlers, 1983

Pat Zwaschka Ahlers, 1983

Parents: Harold & Agnes Zwaschka, Comfrey
Currently: Spencer IA

Pat was honored as being a Regional Princess in 1983, having her head carved in butter at the Minnesota State Fair and running for Princess Kay of the Milky Way. With all of these events, Pat still tells that her favorite promotion was a milk drinking contest hosted in New Ulm. Pat is currently married to Ray Ahlers and has 3 sons: Mike, age 20; Randy and Brent, both age 17. Pat works as the Business Manager at the Clay County Regional Events Center in Spencer, IA. She’s been at the fairgrounds since 2003, when the new Events Center opened. To current princesses, Pat says, “Be confident in who you are”. To continue promoting the dairy industry, Pat still eats and drinks “Real” Dairy Products!

Connie Sellner Schroepfer, 1982

Connie Sellner, in the 1982 Sleepy Eye Herald Dispatch Dairy Outlook-June Dairy Month addition.

Connie Sellner Schroepfer, 1982

Parents: Lawrence & Nadine Sellner, Sleepy Eye
Currently: New Ulm, MN 56073
Connie really enjoyed serving ice cream at the various events, parades and meeting new people while promoting the dairy industry. Connie currently works in the North Mankato at Corporate Graphics International where she runs a digital press. She resides in New Ulm and is engaged to Jerry Baltrusantis. She has one daughter, Megan, who graduated from Cathedral High School this year and will be attending Gustavus for nursing this coming fall. To current princesses, Connie advises, “Enjoy the opportunity to promote dairy and meet and mingle with new people.” Connie also shares that she proudly owns a “cow” kitchen and consumes many different dairy products, as well as “I had a blast serving with Mary and Julie! They were awesome to reign with!”

Mary Seifert Kissner, 1982

Photo of Mary Seifert from the 1982 Sleepy Eye Herald Dispatch Dairy Outlook-June Dairy Month addition.

Mary Seifert Kissner, 1982

Parents: Lowell & Mary Ann Seifert, Sleepy Eye
Currently: New Ulm MN 56073
Mary says about the dairy princess program, “It was a GREAT opportunity to meet with others from the county. We attended many parades and did various dairy promotions. Handing out ice cream was the best!-YUMMY!” Mary married Steve Kissner September of 2003. She has worked at the New Ulm Dental Clinic since May 1986. She has also enjoyed working at the New Ulm Holiday Inn since January 1998. To current princesses, Mary advises, “Be PROUD of what you represent! I always respected my parents and all the hard work they did, but now I am off the farm looking in. I have an even greater respect for all the hard work of dairy farmers!” At her job, Mary often gets the opportunity to chat with people about proper nutrition in order to maintain excellent dental health…and how dairy products can do that! Mary also shares, “It is great to be honored as a former dairy princess during the same year that my niece (Kelsey Sellner) is representing the dairy industry as a princess! It’s great to see how the “job” of dairy princess has grown and with less dairy farmers in the county, it’s great to see such interest in the program yet! It’s just too bad farmers are still getting the same prices for their crops and milk as they did when I was a dairy princess!”

Julie Kitzberger Lilliodden, 1982

Picture of Julie Kitzberger from the 1982 Herald Dispatch Dairy Outlook-June Dairy Month.

Julie Kitzberger Lilliodden, 1982

Parents: Vernon & Marlys Kitzberger, New Ulm
Currently: Sleepy Eye, MN 56085
Julie mostly enjoyed handing out dairy product samples at Dannheim’s Dairy in New Ulm. Currently Julie works for Christensen Farms, married with 2 children: Jamie, age 21 who is a junior at the University of Minnesota and Jacob, as 17 who is a sophomore at St. Mary’s High School in Sleepy Eye. To current princesses, Julie advises: “Be a good representative of the dairy industry by being active in the community and a role model to children.”

Pam (Forster) Zollner, 1977

Pam (Forster) Zollner, 1977

Parents: Don & Sue Forster, New Ulm
Currently: New Ulm, MN 56073

Pam shares that her favorite memory from her reign as a dairy princess was the local New Ulm Parade, which included a breakfast at the New Ulm Country Club prior to that. Currently Pam lives in New Ulm, and is the owner/operator of Lasting Impressions Hair Salon in New Ulm. She and her husband Brad have 3 children: Tyler, age 23 and works for UFC; Luke age 21 and is a Mankato College student; and Morgan age 17, who is a senior at Cathedral High School. Pam advises to current princesses, “Have fun but work hard to promote the dairy industry and all that farmers do. Taking care of the dairy cows and all the hard work and long hours on the farm to give the public a safe dairy product is something to be proud of! Your job is to represent the dairy industry ad knowing your facts about dairy will only lend to more credibility to your role as a dairy princess.” Pam currently promotes the dairy industry by purchasing many dairy products. She really feels strongly about drinking milk and using only real butter in cooking and baking. She is very proud to have come from a dairy farm background and she tries to attend events that involve the dairy industry.

Deborah Moldan, 1974

Deborah Moldan 1974
Parents: Wendelin & Grace Sellner, New Ulm Currently: New Ulm MN

Deb’s favorite memory of being princess was riding in parades with Mary Fischer and Cathy Haala. Deb is married to Mel Moldan. She and her husband live in New Ulm. She is a merchandiser for American Greetings. She has a son, Dr. Anthony Moldan, a chiropractor in Mankato and a daughter, Jennifer Moldan who recently graduated from the Cardiovascular Technician program and is working in a hospital in the Twin Cities.

Marie Simonsen Fredrickson 1978

Marie Simonsen Fredrickson 1978


Parents: Maurice and Lucille Simonsen, Sleepy Eye

Currently: Sioux Falls, SD 57103

Marie recalls that her favorite promotions were attending parades and luncheons as well as handing out free ice cream at Dairy Days in New Ulm. Currently Marie is living in Sioux Falls, SD with her husband Tryg and 11 year old son Jorge. She works as a commercial banker at US Bank and have for the past 25 years. To current princesses, Marie advises: “These are great memories for the future but the experience of representing a valuable part of our agricultural economy will give you confidence and help share your love of dairy.” Marie supports dairy producers by always buying milk, butter, yogurt, and ice cream products.

Joyce Griebel 1973

Joyce Griebel 1973


Parents: Bob & Electra Griebel, New Ulm

Currently: New Ulm, MN 56073
Joyce was a Runner-up for Region Dairy Princesses in 1973 and shares, “Region contest was great fun! I met so many interesting people from different places in Minnesota. I really loved promoting the dairy industry and I still do.” To current princesses Joyce advises, “Your reign is what you make of it, make it the BEST part of you!” Joyce continues her support of local dairy farmers by only purchasing REAL dairy products.

LaVonne Turbes Vix 1968

LaVonne (Turbes) Vix 1968

Currently:  Sartell, MN
LaVonne reflects that she has no single favorite promotion and memory “As I said before it was all fun and full of good memories especially the fair”. LaVonne is a wife to Rodger Vix, an awesome husband and has seven children; four girls and three boys. LaVonne and Rodger are finally empty nesters and are thinking about down sizing to a smaller home. She works at a high school as a Paraprofessional with Special Ed Students in St Cloud. She is also a Mary Kay Consultant and a Representative for Primerica. LaVonne and her family lead a busy and full life between church, family, and jobs in Sartell, MN. To current princesses LaVonne advises, “Be yourself, be your best and don't let anyone else take away these fun times that become good memories. Today more than yesterday, know your dairy industry and you will go far.” Still now, LaVonne’s family drinks milk and uses butter.

1962: Connie Besemer & 1964: Shirley Marti

News paper clipping from New Ulm Journal featuring the newly crowned Connie Besemer, Dairy Princess 1962, from New Ulm.

Connie Besemer Ibberson 1962

Parents: Mr. & Mrs. Melvin Besmer, New Ulm MN

Currently: Sleepy Eye, MN

Connie’s favorite dairy promotion was during the state fair promoting ice cream. Even today she loves it! Connie left New Ulm shortly after being princess; moved to Nebraska, Minneapolis, California, back to Minneapolis, and then back to New Ulm, now residing in Sleepy Eye. Connie is retired and a volunteer for Seniors of Brown County. To current princesses: “Enjoy yourselves, but remember you are a spokesperson and represent the great dairy industry” Currently Connie continues to promote the dairy industry by eating lots of ice cream, advising others to drink milk rather than gallons of soft drinks. Connie has 2 daughters in Pennsylvania and Texas with 2 granddaughters as well as 3 step-children in Michigan, North Carolina, and South Dakota.

Shirley Marti Cuykendall 1964

Parents: Oliver & Verla Marti, Sleepy Eye, MN

Currently:  Freeville, NY
Shirley shares that her favorite promotion was riding in parades. She and her husband Charles live in Central New York. They have 3 adult children and 5 grandchildren. She is retired but keeps very busy with volunteer work for her church. After receiving her B.S. degree in Home Economics Extension from the University of Minnesota, she worked in interior design for a few years, then was a full time mom and went back to work in the school system working in cafeterias. She was Director of Food Service for Lansing Central School for 13.5 years running 3 cafeterias. Shirley promoted the dairy industry through her profession, she would use the dairy industry’s promotional materials sent to her schools and put the posters up. She even used an inflatable cow, hanging from the ceiling.