Munich is mourning the loss of Barbara Stadlhuber, affectionately known as Wiesn-Babsi, who passed away at the age of 49 after battling colon cancer. Best remembered for her radiant smile and iconic role serving beer at the Oktoberfest, Stadlhuber became a worldwide sensation when her image was captured by photographers during the festival.
It was two decades ago—during the start of Oktoberfest 2005—that Stadlhuber, then just 30, was photographed by Reuters holding eight beer mugs, and her likeness soon graced approximately 500 newspapers worldwide, capturing hearts from the British Sun to India’s Financial Times.
Stadlhuber's father, Gottfried Stadlhuber, confirmed her passing on February 14th. “Barbara has never smoked or drank; she led a healthy lifestyle, always involved in sports like tennis and skiing,” he recalled during their grief-stricken moments. Unfortunately, her cancer was detected too late, he lamented.
Her legacy as one of Oktoberfest's most beloved figures will not soon be forgotten. “She was the face of our tent,” recalled Silja Steinberg, the Hofbräu tent manager, expressing her devastation at the news. “It’s dreadful—knowing she left behind three children.”
Stadlhuber had last served at the festival several years ago and recently returned to her native Austria, where her family runs a hotel in Kremsmünster. Now, her family, which includes her three children aged 14, 19, and 20, is facing the challenge of both mourning her loss and managing the hotel business.
For her father, the realization of her absence is still surreal. “The sorrow is overwhelming, but we are focusing on being there for her children now,” he stated, reflecting on the family's responsibility to uphold their hotel operations, which Barbara had passionately managed after becoming qualified as a tourism manager at the age of 22.
Barbara Stadlhuber had one of the brightest smiles at the festival, and her personality was magnetic. She became well-known not only among patrons but also touched the hearts of many beyond the festival's grounds. Now, her family is left to navigate the waves of sorrow, with the fond memories held close as they move forward.
The funeral service for Stadlhuber is scheduled for March 1st at the Kaplaneikirche in Kirchberg. Her father anticipates many mourners will attend, noting he has received around 300 expressions of condolence on his mobile phone alone since the announcement of her death.
Stadlhuber’s enduring image will forever be linked to the Oktoberfest festivities. The joy she brought to countless visitors, coupled with her cheerful existence as 'Wiesn-Babsi', marks her not only as a local celebrity but as an enduring figure of cultural significance. Even though she has passed, her legacy and the memories she created will live on, especially among her children who now carry this proud heritage.