Gilbert Schmitz

Gilbert Schmitz, 73, of Marysville, KS, died Thursday, January 9, 2014 at his home. Visitation was Monday, January 13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Kinsley Mortuary. A rosary service was held at 7:00 p.m., Monday, January 13, at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church in Marysville. Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, January 14, at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church. Father Jim Shaughnessy officiated. Cindy Voet played the organ while Paula Landoll-Smith led the congregation singing “Here I Am Lord”, “I Am the Bread of Life”, “There is a Longing”, “Song of Farewell” and “The Summons”. The pallbearers were Matthew Schmitz, Darren Schmitz, Brent Boyle, Brian Clelland, J.R. Jenkins, Kevin Kleinert, Scott Kleinert, John Sweet, Truett Sweet and Sam VanLent. The honorary pallbearers were Biff Ratliff, Tom O’Neil, Clinton Day, Steve Butler, Steve Ferrell, Norman Burkhead and Jim Breeding. Burial was in St. Gregory’s Catholic Cemetery. Gilbert was born September 7, 1940, at Marysville, son of Dominic L. and Alice (Kathe) Schmitz. He attended Marysville schools and in 1958 graduated from Marysville High School. He was an engineer for the Union Pacific Railroad and along with his wife, owned Garden of Eden Flowers and Gifts from 1978 to present. Gilbert was a member of St. Gregory’s Catholic Church, Marysville Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Committee, helped develop Kansas State-Nebraska Game Day Festivities, taught basketball to children and was on the Dive and Rescue Team. He enjoyed watching Kansas State Athletics, bird watching, yard work, camping and boating. On May 8, 1976, he was united in marriage to Sandra Schmitt. She survives. Other survivors include his mother, Alice Schmitz; sons, Michael Schmitz and Jeffery Schmitz, both of Waterville, KS; daughters, Chris Jenkins, Frankfort, KS, and Lynn DeLay, Morrowville, KS; step children, Michael Sweet, Marysville, Deb VanLent, Lincoln, NE, and Laurie Kleinert, Marysville; brothers, Francis “Butch” Schmitz, Michael “Mickey” Schmitz, both of Marysville, Dominic “Nick” Schmitz, Beattie, KS, and Greg Schmitz, Hanover, KS; sisters, Arleta Martin, Marysville, Mary Zimmerling, Home, KS, and Victoria Rickert, Hastings, NE; several grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father and brother, Harold. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to St. Gregory's Catholic Church, Catholic Charities of Kansas or Meadowlark Hospice. Contributions may be sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gilbert Schmitz, please visit our flower store.