CareersContact My Account Skip to primary navigation About Cheese 101 WHOLESALE/FOOD SERVICE ONLINE STORE A Wisconsin Legacy Nasonville’s Long History of Cheesemaking Nasonville Dairy was founded in 1885, making it the oldest cheese plant in Wood County. After more than 130 years of perfecting our recipes and processes, we know the ins and outs of the cheesemaking industry — we maximize efficiency and quality for our customers. A LOCAL DREAM Nasonville Dairy came from humble beginnings Nasonville Dairy started with a pledge of milk from just 50 cows delivered on horse-drawn wagons. A turbulent economy took its toll on the cheese plant for many years. It became a cooperative owned by the dairy farmers, only to be sold back to a private entity around World War II. It was then bought again by the Lincoln Center Co-op. A NEW CHAPTER The Heiman family revived the cheese plant In 1968, Arnold and Rena Mae Heiman came to the Lincoln Center Co-Op as managers with their three sons, Ken, Kim, and Kelvin, and daughter, Kathy. The family had experience running cheese plants throughout the state. Driven by a passion for the art of cheesemaking, they kept the Lincoln Center Co-Op running with new vigor. In 1985, they purchased it themselves — and Nasonville Dairy was born again with its original name. The Heiman’s oldest son, Ken, became a licensed cheesemaker at the age of 16. Soon he was joined by his brothers Kim and Kelvin — and later on, his sister Kathy would contribute to the cheese plant’s operations as well. CONTINUED SUCCESS Nasonville maintains a family tradition of quality Today, Nasonville continues to create a tight-knit, “all hands on deck” atmosphere. While we run a large, efficient operation — we buy milk from more than 190 local farms to produce over 160,000 pounds of cheese each day — our family-focused team is the heart of everything we do. We’re proud to have 17 licensed cheesemakers, three Wisconsin Master Cheesemakers®, and dozens of dedicated staff members working in our plant day in and day out. It is our mission to provide the highest quality products to our customers. Nasonville Dairy is known for our unique flavors like the flaming hot Carolina Reaper and meltable Blue Marble Jack™, but we’re proud to maintain our time-honored recipes for the classics, too. Three Wisconsin Master Cheesemakers® The coveted expertise of a Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker® is sought all around the world. In order to earn this exclusive title, Wisconsin licensed cheesemakers need to have ten years of experience — then complete rigorous courses at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, pass plant audits, and meet the highest standards in annual product tests. Ken Heiman Asiago, Cheddar, Feta and Monterey Jack Master Cheesemaker® Tom Torkelson Brick, Gouda, Cheddar, and Muenster Master Cheesemaker® Brian Jackson Cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack, Gouda, Brick, Muenster, Asiago, and Feta Master Cheesemaker® Learn More about Ken Learn More about Tom Learn More about Brian Ken was born and raised in the cheese industry. His family started at Nasonville Dairy in the 1960s, and he became a licensed cheesemaker at the young age of 16. One of his favorite things about making cheese is the unique combination of art and science it takes to get a flavor just right. Ken is particularly passionate about carrying his father’s legacy forward and continuing to improve his craft. He loves biting into a piece of extra-sharp cheddar and appreciating just how much effort went into the texture, flavor, and complete experience. Community Commitment We love living and working in Central Wisconsin — and we believe in giving back to the community. It’s part of our mission as a family-run operation with deep local roots. Some of the ways we make a difference: Support children’s wellness and education intiatives Sponsor dairy fairs and 4-H events Partner with a variety of local nonprofit organizations Award Winning Cheese in the Heart of Wisconsin Shop Wholesale & Food Service Shop Our Online Store Main Location 10898 Hwy 10 West Marshfield, WI 54449 715-676-2177 Mon – Fri: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Sat: 8.00 am – 12:00 pm Sun: Closed Curtiss Retail Store N14505 Sandhill Ave Off of Hwy 29 by Abbotsford and Curtiss Curtiss, WI 54422 715-223-3338 Mon – Fri: 8:00 am – 5:30 pm Sat: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Sun: Closed Contact Us Wholesale email: sales@nasonvilledairy.com Online Store email: mailorder@nasonvilledairy.com Copyright © 2021 Nasonville Dairy | All Rights Reserved | photos Courtesy of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin Designed + Developed by The Digital Ring