Judith C. (Baker) Poolman

Judith C. (Baker) Poolman, 85, of Clarion passed away Friday, May 29, 2020 at Iowa Specialty Hospital in Clarion.

Funeral and graveside service for Judith will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion, with Pastor Bill Kem officiating. Those who attend will be asked to follow social distancing guidelines.

Judith was born June 24, 1934 to Ralph and Rose (Lieuwen) Baker in Belmond, Iowa. She was involved in 4-H, sewing, baking and loved Big Red, her horse. Judith was proud of being first chair clarinet for three years at Belmond High School and graduated with the Class of 1952. She later went on to the University of Northern Iowa to receive her degree in teaching.

Judith was united in marriage to Harlan Poolman on March 25, 1956, at the Belmond Congregational. To this union, three children Keith, Craig, and Rhonda were born. The family farmed north of Clarion for 46 years until moving to Clarion in 1999.

Judith taught school in Britt for two years then stayed home to raise the children and help with the farm. She was a talented cook, one specialty was homemade pizzas for her sons’ wrestling team and another her famous Gooey Rolls. Judith wanted everything just right for Thanksgiving and usually made too much food for everyone to enjoy.

Judith enjoyed riding horses with her family and camping overnight. She often traveled to Rhonda’s athletic events while Harlan was traveling to see the twins wrestle. Judith studied genealogy and she and Harlan traveled to Alaska, Germany, England, Scotland, France, and Belgium often finding more relatives. In 1996, they began wintering in Texas.  Judith especially loved her children and grandchildren and wanted everything special for them. She really enjoyed following their activities all over the country, including grandson Matt playing football at Princeton.

Judith is survived by husband Harlan, of Clarion; children Keith (Juliana) Poolman of Clarion, Craig (Karen) Poolman of Centerville, Iowa, Rhonda (Tim) Arends of Prior Lake, Minnesota; grandchildren Hannah Poolman (Desiree Garcia), Isaac (Ashley) Poolman, Elijah Poolman, Bailey Poolman, Brianna Poolman, Matt Arends, Kristyn Arends; great-granddaughter Wyatt Poolman; brother Terrell (Myrna) Baker of Belmond; sister Loree Meyer of Sulphur, Louisiana; sister-in-law Diane Campbell of Parkersburg, Iowa; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Judith was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law Mike Campbell.