Your 2018 Festmaster & Frau – Mike & Karen Keil

Mike Keil, 62, was born in Duluth, Minn., but his family moved to Eau Claire, Wis., when he was 4. He grew up there, and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, receiving a degree in civil and environmental engineering in 1982.

Once out of school, he worked with an engineering consulting firm in the Chicago suburbs for six years. In 1988, he moved back to Madison and started his own environmental consulting firm.

In 1996, his wife, Karen, an obstetrician/gynecologist, joined the staff at Franciscan Skemp Healthcare, and they and their two children, son Camden, and daughter Alahna Jo, moved to the La Crosse area where Mike quickly became known as a successful developer in buildings such as the Jackson Plaza, The Holmen Square Shopping Center and the Doerflinger Building.

The Keils live in the City of La Crosse

 

Former Festmasters and Fraus

YearFestmasterFrau
1961-1962NoneNone
1962-1963Don Rice*Lorraine*
1963-1964Ray Ping*Mildred*
1964-1965Roy Kumm*Hope*
1965-1966John Coleman*Adelheid*
1966-1967Lincoln Neprud*Laura*
1967-1968Jack MartinElsie "Tiny" *
1968-1969John Thomas*Gretchen*
1969-1970Hans Zoreb*Belle*
1970-1971Cully Prinz*Dorothy "Stubby"
1971-1972Joe Rohrer*Evelyn*
1972-1973Walt HammondSally*
1973-1974Dick Beggs*Evalyn*
1974-1975Jack CusterM.J.
1975-1976Sam Hagerman*Betty*
1976-1977Dave Hammes*Betty*
1977-1978Art Dugan*Leona*
1978-1979Wally Rose*Helen
1979-1980George Frost*Jan*
1980-1981Joe Ludden*Lyn
1981-1982Bob MullallyMary Ann
1982-1983John Mooney*Nettie*
1983-1984Quinn Johnson*Lorraine
1984-1985Bernie Degen*Barbara
1985-1986Carl "Cully" Rebhan*Ruth
1986-1987Harry Wiggert*Beverly*
1987-1988Alex Skover*Fran*
1988-1989Steve PavelaMarian
1989-1990Russ Cleary*Gail
1990-1991Duane Taebel*Carol
1991-1992Karl FriedlineMarcia
1992-1993Bill LarkinJan
1993-1994Bill Otto*Mary Jo
1994-1995Al BeckerAnne
1995-1996Howard Voss*Bernadine
1996-1997Deak SwansonJeanne
1997-1998Duane MooreJan
1998-1999Steve WebsterKatie
1999-2000Rollo TaylorKay
2000-2001Lyle QuillinSandy
2001-2002Tom SleikJudy
2002-2003Bill LeonardKay
2003-2004Chris WeissBeth
2004-2005Ted DewaldMarlene
2005-2006Peter StinsonSally
2006-2007Terry CollinsKarolyn
2007-2008Peter KrauseKrin
2008-2009Mike WeissenbergerJoan
2009-2010Todd OndellDeb
2010-2011Ed PrzytarskiEileen
2011-2012Jerry KemberNan
2012-2013Brad SturmLynn
2013-2014David RingDenise
2014-2015Scott HorneSue
2015-2016Chuck RothLuAnn
2016-2017Joe KruseBarbara
2017-2018Brian RudeKaren
2018-2019Mike KeilKaren
* Fondly remembered

Festmasters Fun

Who will represent La Crosse as the 2019 Festmaster?

The selection of the Festmaster is one of the oldest and most cherished Fest traditions. The selection process and naming of the new Festmaster is very secret and the mystery only adds to the fun!

The Festmaster heads the Oktoberfest Royal Family and is chosen annually by the Board of Trustees. Once selected, the Board of Trustees Chairman, along with the past year’s Festmaster, mentors the new Festmaster, bringing him up to speed on his duties, expectations, and appearances.

The new Festmaster & Frau are announced at the Festmaster’s Ball, held yearly in August.

Nominations for the 2019 Festmaster are now being accepted and will close January 7th!

Oktoberfest USA (La Crosse Festivals, Inc.) accepts nominations for Festmaster near the end of the calendar year. If you know a man who is deserving, involved, and would be a great fit in our community-focused organization, submit your nomination below!

Nominations will be accepted for a man who is…

  • married
  • age 50 or older
  • a resident for at least 10 years within 20 mile radius of La Crosse
  • actively involved and well-known in La Crosse community
  • has the time to devote to Oktoberfest activities!

The following information is required to complete the nomination:

  • Name of the nominee
  • Nominee’s address & contact information
  • Nominee’s biographical information – this would include such information as occupation, community or volunteer service, church involvement, professional activities, community or professional awards
  • Nominator’s name and personal comments as to why they have submitted nominee’s name

Nominate your pick for 2019 Festmaster online below:

Festmaster Nomination

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  • Oktoberfest Festmaster Nomination

    La Crosse Festivals Inc. (d/b/a Oktoberfest USA) accepts nominations for Festmaster near the end of the calendar year.

    If you know a man who is deserving, involved, and would be a great fit in our community-focused organization, submit your nomination!

    Nominations will be accepted for a man who is…
    • Married
    • Age 50 or older
    • A resident for at least 10 years within 20 mile radius of La Crosse
    • Actively involved and well-known in La Crosse community
    • Has the time to devote to Oktoberfest activities!

    The final selection is made by the Board of Trustees. New Festmasters are announced at the Festmaster’s Ball celebration.

    Eligible nominations shall remain active for three years from the date of the original nomination.
Save and Continue Later

If you prefer to mail a written nomination, please send it to:

Oktoberfest Board of Trustees
La Crosse Festivals / Oktoberfest
P.O. Box 1716
La Crosse, WI 54602-1716

The final selection is made by the Board of Trustees however all nominations are kept on file for three years from the date of submission. New Festmasters are announced at the Festmaster’s Ball celebration.