2025 Mrs. Oktoberfest Michelle Skemp

Photo courtesy of The Studio

Article by Brad Quarberg, 2016 Maple Leaf Parade Marshal

It suddenly became a week of “I dos” for Michelle Skemp. In April, three days before her daughter’s wedding, longtime friend Sue Weidemann asked for a “favor.” Distracted with wedding preparations, Skemp agreed to drop off some music and brainstorm band ideas for a fundraiser with Weidemann and “her sisters.”

With dirt still under her nails from a long day of wedding yard preparation, Skemp arrived at Weidemann’s home to find those “sisters” were four past Mrs. Oktoberfests welcoming her to the sisterhood, including 1995 Mrs. Oktoberfest Patt Boge who nominated her.

“I was in total disbelief and shock,” Skemp admits. “Looking back, I should have put it together, but I was in complete wedding mode. I just knew I needed to help Sue when she’s helped me so many times.”

She shared the exciting news with her husband, Joe, and they decided to call a family meeting after the wedding.

“Our girls were thinking a family meeting meant bad news, but they were so excited and immediately started talking about dirndls,” recalls Skemp.

Others found out about her new role when it became official during the annual Mrs. Oktoberfest Reception Saturday evening, Sept. 20, at UW-La Crosse.

Skemp graduated from Onalaska Luther High School in 1983 and from UW-La Crosse with a degree in communications in 1988. She later received a post-bachelor’s degree in music education from Viterbo University in 2010.

Professionally, Skemp has combined creativity, service and connections through roles in marketing, public relations, fundraising and music education. She has also sung with church choirs, jazz and rock bands, and enjoys writing music.

“Marketing is my profession, but music and my faith are my passion,” she notes.

Service has been important in Skemp’s life. A dedicated Rotarian for almost 12 years, she currently serves as the public image chair for both the Rotary Club of La Crosse and District 6250, supporting 50 state clubs.

Skemp also founded and continues to advise Aquinas High School’s Interact Club, which has numerous international and local service projects. The group provides necessary items and food to communities across the US and Africa, partakes in the local iFeed, and has recently established Coulee Care Kits to help vulnerable populations in La Crosse.

Skemp is also active in local committees that focus on the environment and youth-focused programs. She is a co-recipient of the Catholic Charities “In My Name” award with her husband.

Marching in the Oktoberfest parades during high school started her long-time relationship with the fest. She has also ridden on floats, volunteered, bartended, supported Miss La Crosse Oktoberfest contestants through interviews and judging, and even hunted for the ever-elusive medallion.

“There are so many ways to be involved in and experience Oktoberfest,” she notes. “That is the beauty of it – it can be whatever you want it to be.”

This year will be different.

Skemp’s theme on her button is “Intentional Living. Rooted in Joy.” If she could make an impact, it would be to bring people together regardless of age, wealth or race.

“We’re more alike than we are different,” she explains. “Deep down, everyone wants to feel valued, seen, and understood. Wouldn’t it be lovely if we all focused on being intentional about showing others we care for their well-being?”

Meet the 2025 Mrs. Oktoberfest Michelle Skemp

• Native of Sparta; Onalaska Luther High School graduate, 1983; UW-La Crosse graduate, 1988; professional work in marketing, public relations, fundraising and music.
• Spouse: Joe Skemp
• Family: Four daughters, Madeleine “Maddy” (Sam) Gordon, Wauwatosa; Lydia (Jake) Stock, Minneapolis; Eliza Skemp (Joe Rachid,) Philadelphia; and Sydney Skemp, Minneapolis; grandsons: Henry, Oliver and Benjamin Gordon
• Community involvement: Rotary Club of La Crosse, Al’s Musky Challenge, Aquinas Interact Club, Newman Parish
• Quotable: “I am honored to be representing our awesome city as Mrs. O and I look forward to serving our community in new ways as best as I can.”

The 2025 Mrs. Oktoberfest button

The button features 2025 Mrs. O Michelle Skemp’s theme, “Intentional living. Rooted in joy” which she chose because she believes it is important to be intentional about the choices one makes throughout life and how a person chooses to react to what happens. Her oldest daughter, Maddy, is credited for the artwork.

Losing some dear friends at an early age and watching her parents work together after her dad’s stroke taught her to not take blessings or relationships for granted, and to make intentional choices to create a life not filled with regrets.

“Tell your people you love them, show them you love them, and be truly kind to those you know and — this is the really important part — to those you don’t know,” she explains. “Just because someone is smiling doesn’t mean they’re not hurting. Everyone suffers. We all have hardships and sorrows – no one is immune to pain and suffering, but by choosing to be joyful, hardships are easier to bear.”

The watercolor design depicts the region’s beauty.

“As I watched my daughter paint the watercolor, it was almost overwhelming,” Skemp says. “We live in such a beautiful area with the mighty Mississippi flowing through our bluffs and rolling hills. Much of my favorite time is spent in nature while biking, hiking and spending time with my family. Frankly, I think she nailed it.”

Former Mrs. Oktoberfests