Rick R. Schrag

Rick R. Schrag, 67, of McPherson, KS, passed away peacefully at home as the sun rose on Saturday, September 19, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Rick was born December 2, 1958, in Moundridge, KS to Mervin and Shirley Schrag. He grew up in Hesston, KS and graduated from Hesston High School in 1977.

The oldest of four boys, Rick spent much of his childhood playing with his brothers and cousins as well as assisting with jobs at his Uncle Ernie’s farm where he learned the value of showing up and working hard. A defining moment of Rick’s young adulthood was his baptism on May 18, 1975, at Hopefield Mennonite Church which would later set the stage for his calling into ministry.

In June of 1984, Rick welcomed a daughter, Crystal Dawn, who he would go on to raise as a single parent until meeting the love of his life, Sheryl (Lolling). On July 28, 1990, Rick and Sheryl were married and welcomed a son, Logan JP, in October of 1995. Together, Rick and his family enjoyed traveling all over the U.S., especially to the beach. He and Sheryl completed their journey of reaching all 50 states together after their final trip to Alaska in 2023.

Rick worked at AgCo in Hesston, KS before answering the call to enter into ministry in 2006. While finishing his ordination education, Rick worked as a custodian, bus monitor, and did lawn care for USD 418. He found deep purpose as a trauma chaplain at Wesley Medical Center while completing ministry training. In 2008, Rick graduated from Hutchinson Community College and Brethren Academy with his ordination, an achievement he held with great responsibility. Rick went on to work as a hospice chaplain with Gentiva Hospice until his retirement in 2023. Up until retirement, Rick spent many mornings awake before the sun to have time in prayer and worship, witnessing many sunrises before work.

Known for his positive disposition and smile, Rick never let anything stop him, including a diagnosis of spinocerebellar ataxia in 2010.

Rick had several lifelong hobbies including eating anything chocolate and collecting baseball memorabilia and antiques. He enjoyed watching major league games and was a loyal follower of the Oakland A’s. Rick’s favorite time of year was spring/summer (baseball season). He could often be found outside taking care of the lawn and landscaping and feeding the hummingbirds, orioles, and cardinals. Rick was also an active member of the Church of the Brethren in McPherson where he assisted with lawn care and video coordination. On Saturday afternoons, Rick could be found cheering on the Kansas State Wildcats with his children.

Perhaps his greatest treasure was getting to spend time with his three granddaughters who called him “Honeys.” Rick would happily spend hours on the floor playing with them, sharing snacks at the table, and cheering them on while they ran outside. He was always eager to greet them and help them with anything they needed.

Rick’s ornery sense of humor received many laughs from family, friends, coworkers, and patients over the years. He would sit with anyone, knew no strangers, and deeply enjoyed listening to others’ life stories for hours. Rick’s ability to welcome in conversations with new people often left them feeling like old friends. He also was happy to be a part of the lives of his extended family attending many sporting events, activities, and baptisms.

Above all, Rick was a man who cast no judgement and had a remarkable ability to love people exactly how they were. He lived by the phrase: “Live your life in such a way that those who know you but don’t know God, will come to know God, because they know you.”

Survivors include his loving wife, Sheryl Schrag of McPherson, KS; daughter Crystal (Joseph) Gibbon of Hesston, KS; son Logan (Maddy) Schrag of McPherson, KS; granddaughters Reese Schrag, Lily Gibbon, and Rose Gibbon; parents Merv and Shirley Schrag of Hesston, KS; brother Randy (Kay) Schrag of Hesston, KS; Russ (Leanne) Schrag of Marseilles, IL; Rynnell (Christine) Schrag of Maize, KS; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and loved ones.

Rick was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Peter JP and Esther Schrag; maternal grandparents Edward and Martha Schrag; parents-in-law Melvin and Neva Lolling; sister-in-law Deborah Lolling; and great-nephew Kaiden Schroeder.

A visitation will be held at Stockham Family Funeral Home on Sunday, September 27th, 2026, from 3 to 5 p.m. The memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 28th at the Church of the Brethren in McPherson. Due to the close proximity to McPherson College, there will be limited parking available. Please find additional parking in the lot across from McPherson College Stadium. A private family burial will precede the service.

To memorialize Rick’s legacy, the family has established a memorial fund. Donations can be made payable to the McPherson County Community Foundation special memo “The Honeys Fund” in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.