In February of 1976, Ron and Marilyn Renard took a leap of faith and started what would become Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese. Ron was a licensed cheesemaker and cheese grader with a dream of building something of his own — a place where quality, craftsmanship, and community came first. That dream has now grown into five decades of cheese in Luxemburg, Wisconsin.
From the very beginning, Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese has been about more than just cheese. It was about creating a local gathering place, sharing fresh products with neighbors, and building a business rooted in hard work and family values.
From a Small Retail Shop to a Growing Business
In the early years, Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese operated as a small retail cheese store — famously sharing space with a laundromat and even a self-serve carwash. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was honest work, and customers kept coming back for the quality and friendliness they couldn’t find anywhere else .
By 1978, Ron began making cheese spreads, a move that would eventually grow into producing 14 different varieties at that time. The Herbs & Spice Spread quickly became a customer favorite and remains one of the biggest sellers to this day.
A True Family Business
As the business grew, so did the family’s involvement. In 1990, Ron and Marilyn’s son Terry joined the business after graduating college with a degree in Business Management. Together, Ron and Terry expanded Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese into wholesale, allowing their products to be sold throughout Wisconsin.
Growth continued into the 1990s with a major addition in 1992 that expanded both packaging and retail space. In March of 2000, the company officially incorporated as Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese, Inc., marking a new chapter while staying true to its roots.
Overcoming Challenges and Moving Forward
Like any long-standing business, Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese has faced its share of challenges. In May of 2002, a fire destroyed the interior of the cheese store, laundromat, and carwash. Thanks to determination, community support, and a lot of hard work, the business was restored over the following six months and reopened stronger than ever.
That same year, the former Luxemburg Clinic building was purchased to provide additional storage and parking — another step forward in preparing the business for the future.
Passing the Torch
In May of 2005, Ron and Marilyn sold half of the business to another son, Tim. By 2008, Tim and Terry Renard officially took over ownership, with Ron and Marilyn still helping part-time and remaining an important part of daily life at the business.
The family focus never changed — the goal remained the same: to continue offering the freshest, highest-quality cheese products to customers near and far.
Growing With the Times
As the business evolved, so did its reach. In 2009, Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese launched its website, opening the door to online ordering and allowing customers beyond Wisconsin to enjoy their products. In 2015, the business entered a new chapter when ownership transitioned to John T. Pagel, which began the first time Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese began making its own cheese, continuing the farm-focused legacy that customers trust.
In 2020, production of cheese spreads was outsourced to ensure consistency and quality while allowing the team to focus on what they do best — making great cheese and serving customers well.
Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese is Celebrating 50 Years — and Looking Ahead
From a small shop with a laundromat to a trusted Wisconsin cheese brand, Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese has been built on dedication, family, and a commitment to quality that hasn’t wavered in 50 years.
As we celebrate this milestone, we want to thank every customer, employee, and community member who has been part of the journey. Whether you’ve been shopping with us for decades or just discovered us online, you are part of our story — and we can’t wait to see what the next 50 years bring.
From our family farm in Wisconsin to your table—thanks for supporting small-batch, farmstead cheese made the right way!
Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese
Farm Fresh. Handcrafted.Farmstead Cheese.
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