Bridget Skibsted

Bridget Kathleen Skibsted, age 43, of Pine Island, Minnesota, passed away on August 23, 2025, in Pine Island. She was born on July 12, 1982, in Storm Lake, Iowa, to Joe and Judy (Peters) O'Malley.

Bridget was baptized, confirmed, and later married at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Storm Lake. She attended St. Mary's Catholic School, Storm Lake Schools, and graduated from Storm Lake Senior High School in 2000. Following high school, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Mount Mercy University and later completed her Master's Degree in Nursing with a focus on Education from Western Governors University. Throughout her career, Bridget practiced in many areas of nursing, where she made a meaningful impact through her compassion and dedication.

On January 6, 2007, Bridget married the love of her life, Ben Skibsted, at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Together they were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Maddy and Lucy.

Bridget was known for her vibrant personality and magnetic presence. Her spirited energy lit up every room she entered, and she loved to connect with others. Bridget never met a stranger-her quick wit, warm smile, and infectious laugh made everyone feel welcome and seen.

Beyond her deep love for her family, Bridget had an enduring passion for softball. She played right field throughout high school and college, and her commitment to the sport continued as a coach, umpire, and volunteer with the Pine Island Softball Association-often working alongside Ben. Bridget joyfully passed on her love of the game to the youth in her community, making a lasting impact as both a mentor and a role model.

As the youngest in a large Irish family, Bridget learned early how to speak up and hold her ground-skills she carried with confidence into adulthood. Her spirited presence was unmistakable. Whether she was passionately yelling "BOX OUT!" at basketball games or delivering her signature sideline commentary from the softball bleachers, Bridget's voice could always be heard (and many fellow spectators may no longer feel the need to bring earplugs)! Her energy, humor, and unmistakable enthusiasm will be deeply missed.

Bridget is survived by her loving husband, Ben Skibsted, and their daughters, Maddy and Lucy, of Pine Island, MN; her mother, Judy O'Malley of Storm Lake, IA; siblings MaryAnn O'Malley (Chad), Jean (Jamie) Knapp, Megan (Matt) Richardson, all of Storm Lake, IA; Ann (Danay) Bouaphakeo of Bennington, NE; and Tim (Deb) O'Malley of Barnhart, MO. She is also survived by her in-laws, Dave and Connie Skibsted of Storm Lake, Iowa; sister-in-law Amy (Dre) Oliver of Minneapolis, MN; brother-in-law Nick (Kim) Skibsted of Brandon, SD; and many beloved nieces and nephews: Emily (Dakota) Herting; Grace and Ellie DePuma; Michael, Austin, and Natalie Knapp; Katherine, Abigail, and Samantha O'Malley; Luke, Cole, and Emma Richardson; Ben, Ty, Malley, and Bailey Bouaphakeo; Trey, Rylie, and Myles Skibsted; grandnephew Maverick.

Bridget was preceded in death by her father, Joe O'Malley; grandparents Joe and Lucille O'Malley and Stanley and Helen Peters; her godfather, John O'Leary; as well as several extended family members and dear friends.

Bridget's legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Her memory will continue to inspire joy, resilience, and kindness in the lives she touched. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Bridget's honor to support Maddy and Lucy's education.
Donations may be sent to:
Ben Skibsted
23637 510th St
Pine Island, MN 55963

A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11am on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Pax Christi Catholic Church, 4135 18 Ave. NW, Rochester, MN. Visitation will be from 5-7pm on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN, as well as one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Skibsted family.