Sam Skemp Jr.

1965 - 2025

Sam Skemp, Jr.

July 31, 1965 - December 7, 2025

Our son and brother, Sam Skemp, Jr., age 60, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, after a medical emergency on the family land. He was born 7/31/1965 to Sam and Jean Skemp, the oldest of six children. He attended St. Pius Grade School, then Aquinas HS, graduating in 1984. He loved John's Coulee and working on our farm as he grew up, and many resident neighbors had remained his good friends.

Sam attended Fox Valley Tech School in Appleton for 2 yrs., and earned his Conservation degree at UW Platteville. He had a long career with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, working at offices in Onalaska, Sparta, Richland Center; and finally serving as District Conservationist for Vernon County starting in 2006. He enjoyed providing fellow farmers and other clients with advice and guidance on agricultural land use and native prairie restoration. He deeply appreciated being in the Driftless area and enjoyed giving tours and talks about its unique history. His kind and friendly demeanor, sense of humor and jovial laugh will be greatly missed.

Sam had many interests. He loved driving tractors and raising beef cows and listening to music and often attended concerts and music fests. He was an avid rock and arrowhead collector and took great pride in the prairie restoration work he had completed to over twenty acres located on the ridge of his family's farm. He also enjoyed traveling, one of his favorite destinations being the Grand Canyon. His close friend, Sandy, was often his travel companion.

Sam is survived by his parents and his 4 siblings, Sheila, Jeff, Andy (Ana), and Matt as well as 8 nieces and nephews and many family relatives. His sister, Julie, died in 2021. And we know, as we speak, the chances are good that, together, Sam and Julie are scheming some big mischief to make the world better and kinder.

There will be a private family service, with a Celebration of Life held at a later date. May he rest in Great Peace. Memorials may be made to the Driftless Recovery Community Foundation, La Crosse or the WAFER Food Pantry, La Crosse or the charity of your choice. Thank you for your support and condolences at this difficult time.