The late Ethan Squires

Loving son, adoring brother, man of strong Christian faith, compassionate friend, youth role model, musician, self-proclaimed “nerd”, Renaissance man, and builder. He unexpectedly passed away on April 6, 2024, from diabetes-related complications.

Ethan was born on July 6, 2002, the first child of Jeff and Whitney Squires. He became an initially reluctant big brother to sister Everly four years later (Mom, “Her name is Everly.” Ethan, “No, I don’t like that name.”). In no time, he grew to not only love his little sister, but become her most trustworthy friend, champion, and confidant.

Ethan graduated from Raymond Elementary (Outstanding Band Student) and later Union Grove High School in 2020. He was a four-year letter winner and captain of the tennis team, first chair trombone, and active with Faithbridge Church’s youth program. Ethan studied Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. He was active with the music department and InterVarsity Bible Study. Ethan worked at Kristine’s Kafé as a Student Manager and as a Technology Specialist with Pioneer Restore. He also had his own electronic repair and tech support business (ETS Solutions LLC).

Ethan was a talented musician, playing piano (NFMC President’s Cup winner), trombone, and guitar. Ethan was working as a Manufacturing Engineering Co-Op at Kohler Power Systems in Sheboygan, WI when he passed away. He loved everything about this job, including the people he worked with. This experience reinforced his desire to be a mechanical engineer; as a plus, he used his technology and programming skills to make Kohler better.

Ethan cherished Camp Anokijig in Plymouth, WI from the day he set foot on the property at age 5. He was both a camper and staff member, most recently serving as Assistant Program Director. Working with the campers and being with his camp friends brought him tremendous joy. He had a genuine talent for making others feel special, unique, and important. He had just moved into camp to help for the summer while he completed his co-op when he passed. While the pain we feel is beyond words, we take comfort in him passing at the place that he loved the most.

There are very few “Renaissance men” left; Ethan was one. Besides playing video games and streaming shows (he was 21…), he spent time online learning about different things that interested him. He was great at a party; he could discuss classical music or classic rock with one person, turn to dissect the Star Wars Canon with another, explore the books of the Bible with a third, have a detailed discussion on military aircraft with another and break down how to build a car, house, or computer with yet another.

Ethan openly expressed his feelings for others, including his friends and his beloved kitties, Goose and Maverick. Without fail, he would begin and conclude our visits with a powerful embrace, telling us he loved us while looking straight into our eyes. Ethan loved spending time with us, from family meals (he insisted they always be at the table) to our extended family vacations. He helped create and protect our family traditions, including his favorite family-only/new pajama/comfort food/board game Christmas Day.

Ethan was truly happy, the result of his focused and strategic determination to build the life he wanted. His life ended at the very moment he was about to fully realize his goals and ambitions.

At UW-Platteville, Ethan was active in the UW-Platteville music program. He played trombone in the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Low Brass Ensemble and piano within the Music Program. He also played guitar with his InterVarsity Bible Study group.

While Ethan had a lifelong love for music, he was not majoring in music. This scholarship is a tribute to Ethan, supporting students, who enjoy music and are active with the music program, even though they are not music majors.

You can learn more and remember Ethan at ethansquires.com. There are photos and videos, as well as a link to his service, which conveys the effect he had on others. Ethan made a bigger impact in 21 years than most of us will in an entire life.