History

Our roots in Waupun, Wis., go back to 1924 when Harry Beyers founded Beyers Funeral Home on Main Street. In 1958 Beyers built a new funeral home at 201 E. Jefferson Street and the Beyers family operated it until Mr. Beyers death in 1969. Michael D. Werner, working as a funeral director in Madison, Wis., had grandparents living in Waupun who encouraged him to purchase the Beyers Funeral Home. In August, Mike purchased the business renaming it Werner Beyers Funeral Home. Mike served the Waupun community as Funeral Director for more than 50 years. He dedicated his work to bettering the lives of the people of Waupun and giving back to his community. 

1969: August 1. Michael D. Werner purchased Beyers Funeral Home and renames the business Werner Beyers Funeral Home. 

1971: Werner Harmsen Incorporated is established when Werner Beyers Funeral Home merges with Beau and Belle Home Furnishings Company, owned by Jerry Harmsen. 

1973: August 29. Werner Harmsen announces Wayne Buteyn joins the funeral home as Licensed Apprentice Funeral Director and Embalmer. 

1979: Wayne Buteyn named Werner Harmsen partner. Since then, Wayne has championed community leadership roles and built relationships with generations of families.

1992: The funeral home breaks ground on a 1,200 square foot project to expand the lobby, reception and office areas, renovate the family and arrangement rooms, add a kitchen and lounge, as well as improve the driveway, carport and parking lot.   

1995: Judson J. Werner, son of Mike, becomes partner after finishing college and mortuary school. Jud served the community as funeral director until 2020 when he stepped away from the business.

2015: Werner Harmsen renovates and adds on to the flagship 201 E. Jefferson location, with an expanded gathering room for families and community events, now known as the Werner Harmsen Event Center. 

2017: After 50 years of service Mike retires from the daily operations of the business, maintaining partnership. 

2018: Mike, Wayne and Jud welcome Tyler Schulz as partner. Tyler, a funeral director, is the current company president and is dedicated to carrying on the Werner Harmsen legacy as the trusted, family-owned funeral home for Central Wisconsin. 

2020: Spencer Beek joins Werner Harmsen as funeral director. Spencer’s commitment to compassion, care and families in the community he was born and raised in is unmatched. 

2023: Mike, Wayne and Tyler name Spencer Beek as Werner Harmsen partner. 

2022: Mike makes the initial contribution to start the Waupun Community Fund, a 501(c)3 non-profit fundraising committee aimed at supporting city improvements. 

2024: In April Werner Harmen’s founder, Mike, passed away. 

2024: Werner Harmsen acquired Kratz Smedema Funeral Home as part of the Kratz Smedema business succession plan. Lori McConochi, owner and funeral director of Kratz Smedema, joined the Werner Harmsen team as a funeral director. Werner Harmsen renovates the Kratz Smedema funeral home and renames it Werner Harmsen Funeral Home – Cambria. 



2025: Cornerstone Funeral and Cremation Services joins Werner Harmsen. The business merger demonstrates Werner Harmsen’s commitment to preserving local, family-owned and operated funeral homes. Todd Michael and Taylor Boyd, funeral directors for Cornerstone, as well as the entire Cornerstone staff, transition employment to Werner Harmsen.  Werner Harmsen assumes ownership of the Cornerstone funeral homes in Beave Dam and Markesan.