About

History

In 1924, Harry Beyers founded the Beyers Funeral Home, which was located on Main Street in Waupun, Wisconsin. In 1958, a new funeral home was built at 201 E. Jefferson Street, which the Beyers family operated until Mr. Beyers sudden death in 1969. Shortly thereafter the funeral home was purchased by Michael D. Werner and has since been known as Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home of Waupun. Mike was a funeral director for over 50 years all of which were in Waupun. He dedicated his life to bettering the lives of the people of Waupun, and was always looking to give back to his community. 


Mike welcomed Wayne Buteyn to Werner-Harmsen as a partner in 1976. Wayne has been responsible for many business and community leadership roles that have established Werner-Harmsen as Waupun’s only locally owned independent funeral home. 

In 2015 Werner Harmsen decided to add on to the funeral home to include a Community Room, which is now known as the Werner Harmsen Event Center.


Judson J. Werner, son of Mike, graduated from college, mortuary school and became a partner in the business in 1994. He dedicated his life to the funeral service and his community but stepped away in 2020 to spend more time with his family. 

In 2018 Mike, Wayne and Jud, welcomed Tyler Schulz as a Partner and  he is dedicated to carrying on the Werner Harmsen Funeral Home dedication to its people and traditions.


To continue the momentum in carrying on the Werner Harmsen commitment of care and compassion within the community, Spencer Beek joined the Werner Harmsen team as Funeral Director in 2020 and is also a partner in the Werner Harmsen business. 



Our founder Mike was responsible for contributing to much of what Werner Harmsen is today, including updating the funeral home to its present day form. Mike spent his later years in Florida, enjoying a well deserved retirement until his passing in April 2024. 


In September 2024, Werner Harmsen acquired Kratz Smedema Funeral Home (Cambria location) as part of the Kratz Smedema business succession plan. Lori McConochie, Owner and Funeral Director of Kratz Smedema, joined the Werner Harmsen team as a Funeral Director. 

In 1924, Harry Beyers founded the Beyers Funeral Home, which was located on Main Street in

Waupun, Wisconsin. In 1958, a new funeral home was built at 201 E. Jefferson Street, which the

Beyers family operated until Mr. Beyers sudden death in 1969.

Shortly thereafter the funeral home was purchased by Michael D. Werner and has since been

known as Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home of Waupun. Mike was a funeral director for over 50 years


all of which were in Waupun. He dedicated his life to bettering the lives of the people of Waupun,

and always looking to give back to his community. Mike has been responsible for contributing to

much of what Werner Harmsen is today, including updating the funeral home to it’s present day

form. Mike currently resides in Florida, enjoying his well deserved retirement. Mike welcomed

Wayne Buteyn to Werner-Harmsen as a partner in 1976. Wayne has been responsible for many

business and community leadership roles that have established Werner-Harmsen as Waupun’s only

locally owned independent funeral home.

Judson J. Werner, son of Mike, graduated from college, mortuary school and became a partner in 1994. He dedicated his life to the funeral service and his community, but later stepped away in 2020 to spend more time with his family. In 2015, Mike, Wayne and Jud decided to add on to the funeral home to include a Community

Room, which is now known as the Werner Harmsen Event Center.

In 2018, Mike Wayne and Jud, welcomed Tyler Schulz on a Partner and dedicating to carrying on

the Werner Harmsen Funeral Home dedication to its people and traditions.