Judith (Judi) Ann Schmidt

Judith (Judi) Ann (Heitkamp) Schmidt, age 82, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on May 8th, 2026, in Sun City West, AZ.

Judith Ann Schmidt was born March 11th, 1944, to Walter and Ida (Mack) Heitkamp in Fort Dodge, IA. Her family moved to Ogden, IA in the mid 50’s, where she graduated from Ogden High in 1963.

In 1973, she married her former classmate, Paul Schmidt. They were chosen as the most mischievous couple in their class. Judi and Paul moved to the Schmidt Family Farm in 1975 and raised their two children there. She kept very busy with DeAnna and Damon’s busy schedules, which included softball, dancing lessons, 4H clubs, track, football, baseball, and church activities. Judi also served as a church counselor for the Zion Lutheran Youth Group for several years.

Judi was a devoted mother and wife, who cherished time spent with her family. She especially enjoyed holidays where she could entertain her family, her loving husband, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, brothers, sister, nephews, aunts, and uncles. Judi hosted many teas for her “special friends.”

Judi was an avid sports fan, supporting her beloved Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeyes, through thick and thin.

In 1996, Judi and Paul moved to Harlan, Iowa, where they bought their “beautiful, dream house”. Judi became very active in social activities including Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Lit. Club, and church activities. In 1996, she founded the Shelby County Central Committee for several years. She especially liked attending the 2000 Inaugural Ball in Washington DC.

Judi’s sense of humor and infectious laugh and spirit were a delight to all. Judi’s boundless energy for life always lifted the spirit of those around her, from a neighbor, friend, or stranger.

In 2000, she founded the Gardening Angels Garden Club. She planned and organized their first Garden Walk, successfully raising $1600. Her long-term goal was to raise enough money to air condition Morgan Hall at the Shelby County Fair Grounds. Her goal and dream came true in 2008. How proud she was to give back to her wonderful community of Harlan, where she lived life to the fullest.

Judi shared her successful business in rental properties in 1989. Her family nickname for her was “slumlord” and everyone had many laughs over her car license, “SLUMLORD.”

Judi was our special “brown eyed girl.” We will miss her always-present sparkle in her eye and heart winning smile. Her life touched so many different circles of people, from the newest of neighbors, to lifelong friends. The world is truly a better place for her good works as a wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, cousin, friend, landlord, neighbor, volunteer, sister in Christ and child of God.

Judi is survived by her loving husband Paul Schmidt, her daughter DeAnna (Sam) Nicklos, her son Damon (Katrina) Schmidt, 8 grandchildren: Brandon (Krissy) Burma, Courtnie Clemons, Anjanette Clemons, Sean Clemons, Sadie (Max) Wesner, Gable Schmidt, Natalie Nicklos, and Mickayla Hampton, 10 great grandchildren, her sister Elaine Hall, and her two fur babies, Heidi and Isabella. In addition to her parents, Judith is also preceded in death by her brothers, Joel Heitkamp and Paul Heitkamp, one sister-in-law Mary (Larry) McVicker, and brother-in-law Vern (Elaine) Hall.

A funeral service will be held June 19th, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church, 319 W Elm St. Ogden, IA 50212. A visitation will begin at 10am, followed by the funeral at 11am. Luncheon to follow.