Lester Van Buren

Lester J. Van Buren, 90, of Waupun, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2017 at The Christian Homestead in Waupun with family by his side.

Lester was born February 11, 1927 in rural Waupun to William and Minnie Harmsen Van Buren. On November 8, 1946 he married Jeanette Tjepkema in Waupun. The couple lived in Waupun all their married lives. Lester worked as a carpenter with the Visser brothers and then started Van Buren Builders in 1968. He was an active member of First Reformed Church of Waupun. Lester loved to fish and spend time with his family. Jeanette passed in 1998. On November 9, 2002 he married Minnie Loomans in Waupun. Lester and Minnie loved to travel and do retirement things!

Lester is survived by his wife, Minnie, of Waupun; four sons: James (Cherie) Van Buren of Florida, Larry (Christine) Van Buren of Waupun, Mark (Dawn) Van Buren of Waupun, and Kevin (Linda) Van Buren of Waupun; one daughter, Betty Zellner of Waupun; 15 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; a step-son, Steve (Gwen) Loomans and his family.

He was preceded in death by three siblings: Ray “Red” Van Buren, Margaret Knoll, and Josephine Westhuis.



Friends and relatives may call on the family on Saturday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.



Funeral services for Lester Van Buren will be held Saturday, February 25, 2017 at 11 a.m. at

First Reformed Church

in Waupun with Rev. Barry Lang officiating.


Burial will follow at Forest Mound Cemetery in Waupun.


The family would like to thank the staff at The Christian Homestead for their compassionate care for Lester.


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