Erwin Van Buren

Erwin “Erv” “Ervski” Van Buren, age 81, of Waupun, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 10, 2026, at the Christian Home in Waupun.

Erv was born August 31, 1944, to Elmer and Josephine (Van Loo) Van Buren. He attended Waupun schools and grew up helping on the family farm. He proudly served in the National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1971.

After returning home, Erv began working as a welder. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Gail Seibel. They were married on May 28, 1977, in Brandon, and together they built a life centered around family, hard work, and the life they shared together.

Erv worked on the family farm and also milked goats. He worked as a welder at Oshkosh Truck and later at Mayville Metal, where he retired. He was always a hard worker and always seemed to have something to keep him busy. Even after retirement, he enjoyed tinkering with lawnmowers and working on small engines.

Erv loved camping and spent a lot of time at Grand Valley Campground in Kingston. He became well known around the campground and knew many of the people there. He was always willing to lend a hand and would help mow lawns around the campground.

Erv was a fun character who was always smiling. He loved to socialize, joke around, and do a little flirting. If you saw Erv, chances are you got a smile and his familiar thumbs-up. That thumbs-up was just one of those little things that people will always remember about him.

Erv enjoyed playing horseshoes, camping, and being around people. He was the kind of person who was always willing to help someone who needed it. He had a personality all his own, and anyone who knew Erv knew you could count on him to make you smile.

Most of all, Erv loved his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who took pride in taking care of the people he loved. His smile, his sense of humor, his willingness to help, and that familiar thumbs-up will be deeply missed.

Erv is survived by his wife, Gail; his children, Barry (Sarah) Van Buren and Brenda (Shane Voss) Van Buren; daughter-in-law, Jessica Van Buren; grandchildren, Nancy (Jack) Soda, Alyvia Tennies, Carter Osterhoff, Jessie and Jamie Voss, Cory and Cody Wellmann, Tory, Troy, and Trey Zimdars; great-grandchildren, Remington, Deacon, and Emiliano; brother, Leroy (Donna) Van Buren; sister-in-law, Arlene Van Buren; brothers-in-law, Terry Seibel and Rick (Lynn) Seibel; sister-in-law, Tonya (Sean) Horner; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Erv was preceded in death by his parents; his sons, Matthew Van Buren and Christopher Van Buren; brothers, Clarence Van Buren and Russell (Carol) Van Buren; brother-in-law, Kenneth Seibel; and other relatives.

Visitation for Erv will be held Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home in Waupun from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 3:00 p.m., with Pastor Darrin Vant Hoff officiating. Burial will take place at Lake Maria Cemetery in Markesan.

Erv was one of a kind. He was a hardworking man, a loving family man, and a fun character who always seemed to have a smile and a thumbs-up ready. To those who knew him as Erv, Ervski, or simply Dad, Grandpa, and Great-Grandpa, he will be deeply missed and never forgotten.