Ethan Buwalda

On February 25, 2026, Ethan Lance Buwalda (45), lifelong resident of Waupun, went to join his Savior suddenly in the presence of those who loved him most.

Ethan was born on November 20, 1980, in Waupun, to Erwin and Evelyn (Johnson) Buwalda. He attended Waupun Christian School and Waupun High School, from which he graduated in 1999. Ethan began learning the concrete trade while in high school at R and D. Upon graduation he immediately went to work with his dad, Erwin, to continue to learn the trade. In 2010 ELB Concrete of Waupun became a father/son business when Ethan joined his dad in half ownership. Ethan was an extremely hard worker and took great pride in making sure the concrete work was done right for all of his clients.

Though successful in business, those who knew Ethan will remember most his deep love for his children, his generous heart, and his unwavering commitment to the people he loved, especially his mom, Evelyn. His pride in his children was evident in all that he did, and his love for them was truly immeasurable. They truly were his purpose and his passion. He was engaged to his best friend, Heather Koehler, the mother of his children, on December 25, 2020. They looked forward to a lifetime together raising their children. They found peace and happiness in each other and in the day to day life while making family memories together.

After his family, Ethan’s joy could be found in the quiet moments. These moments were often spent camping, in a tree stand, or floating on fish-laden waters in Ontario with his dad, Erwin. The outdoors gave Ethan more than hobbies, it was the place he felt most at home, and most himself.

Ethan is survived by his parents, Erwin and Evelyn Buwalda (Waupun); his fiancé, Heather Koehler; their two young children, Brynlee and Huxley Buwalda (Waupun); his sisters: Ericka (Christopher) Gilge, Elizabeth (Andrew) Hawkes, and Evonne (Jeremy) Hraban; his in-laws: Marty and Karen Koehler, and Megan and Brett Koehler; and further survived by 15 nieces, nephews, a great-niece, aunts, uncles, and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, several aunts and uncles, and other relatives.

A time of visitation for Ethan will take place on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Werner Harmsen Funeral Home in Waupun from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please prayerfully consider a donation to a fund for their children Brynlee and Huxley. There will be a donation box at Werner Harmsen Funeral Home during visitation hours.

You may also consider donations through the provided link below that has been established in Ethan’s memory for their children.

Finally, please feel free to send checks to Brynlee and Huxley’s Gunny:

Evelyn Buwalda 116 E. Main St. Waupun WI 53963

Our family will be eternally grateful for any support. All monetary donations will go directly towards supporting his children and securing their future.