"Cheesepa" Celebrates 35 Years

Grandchildren call their grandfathers a variety of names, from simply “Grandpa” or “Gramps,” to “Papa” or even “Pop Pop.”  But there’s one grandfather in Shullsburg, Wisconsin affectionately known by his grandchildren as none other than “Cheesepa.”  Meet Dan McWilliams and read on to learn why he lives up to his nickname.

For 35 years, Dan McWilliams has been a part of the Shullsburg Creamery family, currently in charge of the Creamery’s pickups and returns as well as maintenance and repairs.  Over the last three and a half decades, Dan has held a diverse number of roles, including Receiving Warehouse Supervisor, Quality Control Manager and Inventory Control Manager.  “The most rewarding part of my role is the satisfaction of doing a good job and fixing things,” says Dan, noting he also enjoys working with people.

Before joining Shullsburg Creamery, Dan’s role was that of farmer, with his place of employment being a 320-acre farm and his “coworkers” consisting of 75 cows.  When Dan made the switch to the cheese industry, he seamlessly channeled his hard work ethic from the farm to the Creamery.  “To learn about all the great products that are produced from the milk was a very amazing experience,” says Dan.  “It gave me pride to work in this industry.”

But among all the roles he’s held, none can compare to Dan’s greatest role – that of family man.  Dan is a proud husband to wife Kay, father to three children, grandfather to eleven grandchildren, and most recently he was promoted to great-grandfather with the birth of his first great-grandchild.  Dan’s grandson, Nick Erschen, describes him as “tough on the outside, but someone who would do anything for his family and friends.”

The family can count on Dan to supply the cheese for every family gathering, and he often gives cheese as gifts any chance he gets (Dan’s favorite cheese is Muenster if one is looking to reciprocate the gesture).  Dan’s been doing this for so long that all of the grandkids bestowed to him the title of “Cheesepa,” a name that has stuck for decades. 

When Dan/Cheesepa isn’t hard at work at Shullsburg Creamery, he can be found tending to his five-acre land, hunting, fishing or helping with the local fireworks celebrations.  Thank you Dan for your 35 years of service!