At the co-op, we like to share the stories of extraordinary individuals whose dedication inspires us all.
Today, we honor Marieke Penterman, founder of Marieke Gouda, whose remarkable journey has brought her to be the 4th woman awarded the Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker certification.
Marieke credits the strong women in her life, particularly her grandmother, for instilling in her the determination to embrace challenges and strive for excellence. From her Oma pedaling miles to milk cows in their Dutch village to Marieke breaking barriers in the cheese industry, her family’s legacy of perseverance continues to shine.
Born and raised in the Netherlands, Marieke grew up on her family’s dairy farm. After moving to Wisconsin, she and her husband Rolf established a 350-cow dairy farm in Thorp. Marieke found herself longing for the authentic Gouda cheese of her homeland and she set out to recreate the traditional flavors of Dutch Gouda in her new home.
Armed with a bachelor’s degree in Dairy Business, she delved into cheesemaking. She traveled back to the Netherlands to train under expert cheesemakers, mastering the techniques of traditional Gouda production. Upon returning to Wisconsin, Marieke established Marieke Gouda. Her efforts quickly garnered recognition and Marieke’s cheeses have earned more than 270 national and international awards.
In 2024, Marieke earned the prestigious Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker certification. This rigorous program is considered the equivalent of a ‘Ph.D. in cheesemaking,’ and requires over a decade of professional experience.
Marieke’s success isn’t just about accolades; it’s also about the values she brings to her work. Her state-of-the-art facility in Thorp invites visitors to witness the craft behind each wheel of Gouda. This openness exemplifies her belief in sharing knowledge and inspiring others.
Marieke Penterman’s journey from a Dutch dairy farm to becoming a Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker inspires not only women in agriculture but anyone pursuing their dreams.