04/06/2026
Judith “Judy” Ann Van Polen, age 82, of Albia, IA, passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loved ones, under the care of EveryStep Hospice.
Judy was born on February 22, 1944, in Ottumwa, IA, to Robert and Hattie Hester (Van Oene) Bloodsworth. She grew up attending school in Eddyville and graduated with the Class of 1962. Following high school, she continued her education at AIB College of Business, earning her 2-year degree in accounting and data processing in 1964. On September 18, 1965, she was united in marriage to William “Bill” Van Polen Jr. at the Christian and Ministry Alliance Church in Boone, IA, and to this union, 3 children were born: Douglas, Jeffery, and Lynnetta. Judy and Bill were blessed with 49 years of marriage prior to Bill’s passing on November 6, 2014.
Judy began her working career as a secretary and doing data entry for the Look Magazine in Des Moines. Shen then worked for IMT Insurance in Oskaloosa before going to work at Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in Des Moines. Upon moving to Albia, she was a Board Treasurer for Monroe County Farm Bureau where she also later worked as a part-time secretary. Judy also worked as a cook at the middle school and worked at L & S Tool before dedicating many years to Hawkeye Molding in Albia where she worked until her retirement.
Judy was a woman of strong faith and was a longtime member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Albia where she served as Board Treasurer from 1979-1987. She loved spending time outdoors, especially fishing and gardening. Judy was an excellent cook and baker, known for her delicious pies and desserts. She also enjoyed playing cards. Above all else, Judy cherished her family and the time spent with them. She especially enjoyed attending her children’s, grandchildren’s, and great grandchildren’s events over the years.
Judy is survived by 3 children, Douglas Allen (Jana) Van Polen, Jeffery Jay (Michelle) Van Polen, Lynnetta Lee (Wayne) Heaton; 7 grandchildren, Bob (Jenna) Van Polen, Evy (Kris) Hicks, Morgan (Brent) Christeson, Lexie (Jake) Wood, Jade (Tony) Leshen, Jay (Mallory) Heaton, and Erin (Andy) Stephens; 9 great grandchildren, Sage, B***n, Kylie, Nora, Kalven, Evelyn, Kobe, Hudson, and J.J; 3 brothers-in-law, Jim Van Polen, Bob Van Polen, and Jerry Van Polen; and 2 sisters-in-law, Lorraine Van Polen and Donna Van Polen. Judy is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” Van Polen Jr.; her parents, Robert and Hattie Bloodsworth; and a sister-in-law, Mazie Van Polen Rouw.
Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Judy’s family present from 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. to greet family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Albia, with Dr. Jenna Harris officiating. Burial will follow services at Bethel Cemetery in Monroe County.
Memorials have been established to EveryStep Hospice or Bethel Cemetery.
Condolences and memories to the family may be left online at www.tharpfh.com.
