Judy Mae Ven Huizen (82) joined her fellow saints in heaven on August 25, 2022. She was born March 31, 1940 in downtown Pleasant Valley, IL to Christoph and Marian (Haas) Beyer, the third of seven siblings. Judy attended Stockton High School before marrying Arnold (Arnie) Ven Huizen on March 10, 1956. Together they raised five amazing children on the family farm outside of Stockton.

Judy's life of service began nearly immediately as she raised and instilled a life of hard work and generosity in her family and community. She found one of the best ways to reach people was through their stomachs. Judy baked hundreds of cakes, served thousands of meals and was a part of countless special occasions for families throughout the region with her restaurant and catering business.

Judy's commitment to community was unmatched. More than being the catalyst of long-standing community events, she had an infectious positivity that attracted everyone to volunteer and trust in her vision. As a business owner, Judy entertained, hosted and was pivotal in the creation of the Stockton Christmas Walk and Taste of Stockton. Judy had a way of getting people involved in community projects and always let them know that the world was a better place for their efforts.

Main Street Café and The Gathering Place were the site of many good deeds and small miracles for those who took refuge within their doors. Patrons didn't just come for a good meal, but also the shared wisdom, quick witty quip, extra encouragement and helping hands. A stranger never left the door of the café. She was appropriately named the "Mother of Main Street or MOMS" by her dear friend Lucy Miele, and the title could not have been more fitting for Judy.

Even after the café closed and catering occasions were retired, Judy continued to feed the community and anyone she met with her amazing food and love for each person. Anyone who passed through her doors was greeted with a warm smile, understanding conversation and left full of love and treats.  She was an amazing organizer and volunteer for Christ Lutheran Church committees including ladies fellowship, Ruth Circle, as well as the church board.

While Judy preferred to work her good deeds in private, her efforts were called to attention many times with awards and accolades. She always believed in getting involved to help make things happen for the betterment of Stockton and Jo Daviess County. She found worthy commitments with the Jo Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau Board, Stockton Development Committee, Stockton Centennial Committee, Good Hope Memorial Cemetery, co-chair of the Stockton Kraft Family Reunion, Stockton Heritage Museum and co-chair of the Christ Lutheran Church Sesquicentennial. Judy was a pioneer for strong women business owners and was honored and surprised by her nomination for the Auxi Award for Women Business Owners from the Galena-Strauss Hospital Auxiliary in 1992.

Even more than her endless bags of popcorn, pans of rolls, and dishes of candy, Judy will be missed for her unrivaled kindness and support. Judy will always be celebrated by her dear children, Denise Albrecht, Dale (Stacie) Ven Huizen, Deanna Dow, Dixie (Bill) Zueger; all of Stockton, and Dawn (Chuck) Tillett of Cedar Park, TX. Judy's 13 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren were her favorite people in the world; she would tell anyone who would listen. Judy is also survived by her two sisters Beverly Paisley of Stockton and Mila Beyer of Freeport and many close friends and extended family members.

She joins in heaven her husband Arnie, her parents, siblings Joanne Hoffman, Cletus Beyer, Gary Beyer, Melody Randecker, and son-in-law Dennis Albrecht.

The family welcomes friends to share stories and comfort at a visitation at Christ Lutheran Church in Stockton on Sunday, August 28 from 3-6 pm. The funeral service will take place at Christ Lutheran Church at 10:30 am on Monday, August 29.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in her name.