Julia S. "Judy" Huiskamp, 85, of Morning Sun, died Sunday, December 20, 2015 at River Hills Village in Keokuk. She was born July 9, 1930 in Keokuk, the daughter of Carl Alfred and Ella Christine Leu Schmidt. She was raised as a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ and later joined St. John Episcopal Church in Keokuk, where she taught Sunday school a number of years. She served on the boards of the Friendly House and Planned Parenthood and was a member of AA and P.E.O. Judy graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor's degree in Economics. On June 20, 1951 she was united in marriage to Henry C. "Hank" Huiskamp. He preceded her in death on December 4, 1999. Judy and Hank lived in Keokuk 25 years before moving to the family farm outside Morning Sun in 1976. Judy possessed creative talents she humbly discounted, while her family gratefully received the benefits of these endeavors. Impressively, she pleased even her teenage children with embroidered shirts and belts. Over the years, Judy would embrace needlepoint and many sewing challenges. Whether a prom dress or a fashionable coat, Judy would never dismiss a request from one of her children or grandchildren to help with a project. The dozens of sundresses she created for her granddaughters became a recognizable trademark of her skill. Judy enjoyed growing and canning vegetables from her garden and preparing memorable and wonderful meals for all occasions. Judy loved to read any book that came her direction and a good mystery was especially welcome. When time allowed, she cherished the trips to their Wisconsin lakeside cabin with Hank and her children and grandchildren. Despite initial reluctance to leave her hometown of Keokuk for the farmstead in Morning Sun, Judy connected and grew to love her new landscape and wonderful neighbors as strongly as they loved her. Most certainly, the touchstone of Judy's life was her family. Any phone call with her could never conclude without an update on her grandchildren and great-granddaughter. If anyone gave an incomplete summary, her alarmingly sharp memory would prompt her to inquire for details at the next conversation. Not surprisingly, Judy loved her role as Grams and Nana. She is survived by one son, Dr. Daniel Huiskamp (Julie) of Cresco, IA; two daughters, Janne Long (Ray) of Keokuk; Lynn Huiskamp-Esch (Jay) of River Falls, WI; nine grandchildren, Kelly Huiskamp of Denver, CO; Payne Huiskamp (Brianne) of Cresco, IA; Ryals Parker (Katie) of Cedar Rapids, IA; Kenny Parker of Dubuque, IA; Paige Parker of Iowa City, IA; Christopher Long of Montrose, IA; Steven Long of Keokuk, IA; Ellen Esch of San Diego, CA; and Jayne Esch of Minneapolis, MN; and; one great-granddaughter, Paysen Jule Huiskamp of Cresco, IA; one sister, Marilyn Peper of Dallas, TX and many nieces and nephews. Judy was also preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Ella Schmidt, and one brother, Carl Schmidt. Graveside services were held at 12:00 p.m., Monday, December 28, at Oakland Cemetery in Keokuk with Ken Messer officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mediapolis Public Library, Mediapolis Ambulance Service, Oquawka New Group of AA.