Valparaiso Magazine - Spring 2023

MADE IN VALPARAISO | DANISH MAID BUTTER >>
Danish Maid Butter
A Timeless and Delicious, Family Tradition
By Katie Bieber
ou may have seen it among your holiday spreads: a sweet
Easter lamb or festive Thanksgiving turkey made entirely
of whipped butter. For many in our area, and now across the
nation, these small butter sculptures have become a staple at
these family gatherings, often inviting warm notes of thanks to
their manufacturer: Danish Maid Butter. A brand name, and playful
turn of phrase, that both evokes the company's European roots while
also honoring its small, family operation.
The Original Buttercup
The first owner of Danish Maid Butter, Sivert Kramme, was born in
Denmark where he learned the art of butter making. After migrating
to America, he launched his own creamery in Chicago, Consolidated
Creamery Co., in 1936. He would eventually sell this company and leave
butter churning behind. When he established Danish Maid Butter, he
decided to specialize in the production of whipped
butter products.
What put Danish Maid Butter on the map was Kramme's invention of
the single-serve whipped butter cup. You'll find it offered today at
restaurants, hotels and with catering companies. "If it has ridges like
a coffee creamer and a white lid, it's ours. And on our lid, it says "The
Original Buttercup," because we did invent the original buttercup," said
Susan Wagner, current co-owner of Danish Maid Butter.
Susan's father Ray Wagner started working at Danish Maid Butter
in 1968. Commuting from Chesterton to Chicago every day, Ray
jumped in feet first. Over the next 20 years, Ray would eventually
manage all operations at Danish Maid Butter. As Kramme neared
closer to retirement, he suggested Ray buy the company from
him. And after some consideration, Ray and his wife, Susie,
bought Danish Maid Butter in 1988.
Family-Owned and
Operated
Susan was six years old when her parents
purchased the company. "Any spring break,
summer break, we were always there helping
out," said Susan. From a young age, Susan
and her older three brothers were taught
the importance of hard work and providing
excellent customer service. "I never saw
my dad sit down. He was on a forklift, he
was working on a machine, he was helping the
employees," said Susan. While Ray managed more
of the manual labor, her mother Susie was back in the
office, working on the books and answering
the phone.
"I always wondered how she was able to remember, and be so incredibly
personable with, every single person that called,” Susan reflected.
After her father Ray passed away in 2005, Susan joined her brother in
working at the plant full-time. Following their mother's death in 2018,
they bought the company and continue running it together. Danish
Maid Butter still manufactures their products in the same building
it's been operating out of in South Chicago since 1962. The Wagners
hope that the future will present them a location that's closer to home
in Northwest Indiana. But no matter where they operate, there is
guaranteed to be a loyal Danish Maid Butter following. A quick look at
their social media pages will reveal hand-written notes, pictures, and
messages of love for the small, family-owned business.
"We stem from a small family business that Mr. Kramme started, and it's
still a family business. My dad was meticulous and wanted to put out a
good product. That's why we're so hands on. How do we make sure that
continues to happen? We're a part of the process,"
concluded Susan.
During the Easter and Thanksgiving season, Susan's role on the
production line is to put the butter mold in a cardboard sleeve. The
next time you add a whipped butter lamb or turkey from Danish Maid
Butter to your grocery cart, remember that it was likely packaged by
Susan or Matt, and you're supporting a local, familyowned
business.
Matthew Wagner and
Susan Wagner,
Danish Maid
Butter
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