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.
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“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.
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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
Who: 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.”
“We’re more alike than we are different. 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?”
Michelle Skemp, 2025 Mrs. Oktoberfest
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