People

IOWA CITY– The West High Women of Troy came up just a bit short in a bid to pull off a major upset in the Mississippi Valley Conference’s Valley Division Tuesday, Jan. 26. The Cedar Falls Tigers rolled into Iowa City, 14-1 overall and 8-0 in conference play to lead the division, while the Women of Troy were 10-5 and 6-2.

Margaret Ann Strabala, 66, died suddenly Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015, at home.
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Friday, Jan. 9, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oxford with Father Edmond Dunn officiating. Graveside Services took place following at St. Vincent’s Cemetery in rural Riverside. Visitation was Thursday, Jan. 8, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oxford. 
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Margaret Ann Strabala Memorial Fund or Iowa City Hospice.

Michael J. Frese, 43, of rural Oxford, died Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2014, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City following his courageous fight against cancer.
Funeral services were held at on Friday, Dec. 26, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oxford. Burial took place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Oxford. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Mike’s memory. Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web at www.gayandciha.com.

SOLON– Each year the American Legion Auxiliary distributes poppies to commemorate the sacrifice of our servicemen and women who gave their lives in our country’s wars. The tradition of having the memorial flower honor the war dead began after World War I when returning soldiers brought memories of the battlefield poppies which were immortalized in Canadian John McCrae’s poem “In Flander’s Fields” whose opening lines are familiar to millions around the world:
“In Flander’s Fields the poppies blow,
Between the crosses row on row…”

NORTH LIBERTY– After a bitter winter, students and their families were motivated to get outside and kick up their heels.
Over 450 participants joined in North Bend Elementary’s first annual 5K and 1 Mile Powder Fun Run fundraiser held Saturday, April 12, in North Liberty.
“This was a phenomenal turnout for our first event,” said co-organizer Angie Rummel. “We felt the event was very successful. Even though it was a bit windy, the temps warmed up for us and the rain– and snow– stayed away. After having such a long and cold winter, it was great to be outside and get active.”