Barbara Huiskamp Thoma

Barbara Huiskamp Thoma, 86, of Sunrise Beach, Missouri, formerly of Keokuk, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Sunset Home in Quincy, Illinois.

She was born October 23, 1939, in Keokuk, Iowa, the daughter of Carl Christian and Lucille Magdalene Miller Huiskamp. Barbara was a proud graduate of Keokuk High School, where she was actively involved as a member of the cheerleading team, pep squad, and student council. She later continued her education at Clemson University.

On January 25, 2014, Barbara was united in marriage to Louis B. Thoma in Keokuk. He preceded her in death on December 10, 2025. Their marriage was filled with love, companionship, and many memorable adventures together.

Barbara was deeply involved in her community and devoted countless hours to service. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Keokuk and Lake Ozark Christian Church in Osage Beach. Barbara was a longtime member of the Keokuk Area Hospital Auxiliary, where she served as vice president and chaired the Bridge-O-Rama fundraiser for thirty years. She also volunteered in the hospital gift shop. In addition, she served on the Visiting Nurse Board, the Keokuk Country Club Board, and the Benevolent Union Board, always giving her time and talents to causes close to her heart.

An avid sports enthusiast, Barbara especially loved playing bridge and golfing whenever her health allowed. She also enjoyed racquetball and bowling and was a passionate sports fan, faithfully watching golf, tennis, football, and basketball. Barbara was an accomplished golfer, winning the Women’s City Golf Tournament twice and the Keokuk Country Club Women’s Championship numerous times. One of her proudest achievements was winning the State Father/Daughter Golf Championship two years in a row alongside her father, Carl Huiskamp.

Above all else, Barbara treasured her family. She was a devoted homemaker who took great pride in making her home warm and welcoming, particularly during the holidays. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren and was rarely absent from the bleachers, cheering them on at sporting events. Her unwavering support and enthusiasm were a constant presence in their lives. Barbara also loved to travel, especially enjoying cruises and cherished trips to Disney World with her husband, Lou. Together, they spent many happy winters in Orange Beach, Alabama, creating lasting memories.

She is survived by her three children: Cindy Crew (Tom) of Keokuk, Iowa; Tim Poe (Rhonda) of Warrensburg, Missouri; and Dana Boots (Gary) of Quincy, Illinois; nine grandchildren: Brian, Sarah, Luke, Zack, Andrea, Aaron, Cody, Cory, and Gregory; and twenty-two great-grandchildren. She is also survived by three siblings: Tina Gray (Dave) of Show Low, Arizona; Tom Huiskamp (Verna) of Salt Lake City, Utah; and Leah Gudgel of West Des Moines, Iowa; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her husband, Louis, Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; one son in infancy, Samuel Christian Poe and a brother-in-law, David Gudgel.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, Iowa with Pastor David Turner officiating. Burial to follow at Oakland Cemetery in Keokuk.

Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, at the funeral home with the family meeting with friends at that time.

Memorials may be made to Keokuk Public Library or to Hoerner Y in Keokuk.