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Bridget Kathleen Skibsted, 43, of Pine Island, Minn., passed away on Aug. 23, 2025, in Pine Island.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 29, at Pax Christi Catholic Church, 4135 18 Ave. NW, Rochester, Minn. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 28, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, Minn., as well as one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery.
She was born on July 12, 1982, in Storm Lake, 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 Jan. 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, Minn.; her mother Judy O’Malley of Storm Lake; siblings: MaryAnn O’Malley (Chad), Jean (Jamie) Knapp, Megan (Matt) Richardson, all of Storm Lake; Ann (Danay) Bouaphakeo of Bennington, Neb.; and Tim (Deb) O’Malley of Barnhart, Mo. She is also survived by her in-laws, Dave and Connie Skibsted of Storm Lake; sister-in-law Amy (Dre) Oliver of Minneapolis, Minn.; brother-in-law Nick (Kim) Skibsted of Brandon, S.D.; 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; grand-nephew 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
