Cyril Virgil Schmitz, 74, of Baileyville, Kansas, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2026, at Nemaha Valley Community Hospital.

He was born on August 11, 1951, in Axtell, Kansas, to Paul & Mary Ann (Bergman) Schmitz.  Cyril grew up in rural Baileyville, Kansas, and graduated from B&B High School in 1969.  After high school he joined the Army Reserves and served for 6 years before being honorably discharged as a Sergeant Specialist 5.  Cyril started his farming career as a hired hand for his future father-in-law and continued farming until his stroke in 2022.

On November 13, 1971, Cyril married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Stallbaumer, in St. Benedict, Kansas.  The couple made their home on their own farm north of Baileyville, where he was a hard working farmer and stockman.  Cyril & Joyce enjoyed 54 years of marriage and lovingly supported each other as they raised their family of 4 children.

Cyril was an avid deer hunter and enjoyed fishing.  Another hobby he enjoyed was tractor pulling with his father-in-law’s tractors and winning several trophies.  He played softball & basketball on local town teams, loving to shoot the half-court shot!  He never missed a card game and was known for bidding 10 on a deuce.  Cyril enjoyed a good party with family and friends and was frequently one of the last to leave.  His orneriness and antics will provide memories and stories for years to come.

He was a third-degree Knights of Columbus member of council #1163 in Axtell, serving as Grand Knight and several years as Financial Secretary.  Cyril was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Parish, in St. Benedict and served on the parish council.  He also served on the Boards of Clear Creek Township and Turkey Creek Watershed #109.

His biggest enjoyment was following his children & grandchildren in their sports and activities. He never hesitated to end his day early to attend and show his support.  He followed the local sports teams and the K-State Wildcats.

He will be greatly missed by his wife & children, Lisa (Jimmy) Ganstrom , Seneca; Tina (Kevin) Palic, Baileyville; Ryan (Cindy) Schmitz  Leawood; and Sara (Bob) Kramer, Corning. Cyril was blessed with 15 grandchildren, Collin & Camron Feldkamp, Nia & Henley  Holthaus, Bradee Stuke, Taryn, Mya & Kyler Ganstrom, Gage Palic, Alayna & Lydia Schmitz, Keira, Leighton, Eve & Boyd Kramer.

He is also survived by his siblings, Marita Gallagher, Lee Summitt, MO; Regis (Mary Jane) Schmitz, Baileyville; Roseann (Don) Mitchell, Topeka; Edna (John) Kuhlman, Tecumseh KS; Evelyn (Larry) Heinen, Gilbert (Deb) Schmitz, Kathy (Dan) Heinen all of Seneca, and sister-in-law Virginia Schmitz, Axtell; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Cyril was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law, Eric Holthaus; brothers Julian, Donald, Kenneth & Benedict Schmitz; and brother-in-law, Glynn Gallagher.

Rosaries will be prayed on Wednesday, February 18^th at 2:00 & 7:30 PM at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.  The funeral mass will be Thursday, February 19^th at 10:30 AM at St. Mary’s Church, St. Benedict, KS

Memorial contributions can be given to Nemaha Valley Community Hospital, St. Mary’s Parish or Cemetery, and Lifecare.