Charles O. Strabala

Charles O. Strabala, 88, of Riverside, passed away on Thursday, March 31, 2022, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City.  Visitation will be held on Friday, April 8, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Snyder and Hollenbaugh Funeral and Cremation Services of Riverside.  A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 9, 2022, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Riverside.  Burial will be in the St. Vincent’s Cemetery in rural Riverside with military honors provided by the Riverside V.F.W. Post 6414.  Following the committal service, a time of food and fellowship will be held at the St. Mary’s Parish Center.  A memorial fund has been established at the funeral home in memory of Charles.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.

Charles Omer Strabala was born on July 1, 1933, on the family farm in Washington County, the son of Omer and Martha (Joebgen) Strabala.  He was a 1951 graduate of St. Mary’s High School.  Charles proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.  On June 22, 1959, Charles was united in marriage to Marlene J. Donohoe in Holbrook, Iowa.  He was a lifelong farmer in the Johnson and Washington County area.  Charles had a love of the land and the animals.  He raised hogs and cattle while growing corn, soybeans and oats.  He was a true believer in his Allis Chalmers tractors.  His daughters and grandchildren were his pride and joy.  Charles was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Riverside and the Riverside V.F.W. Post 6414.  In his later years, Charles enjoyed driving around the countryside viewing the crops and nature.  Much of his time was spent with the family dog, Kobe and numerous cats.  He had a great heart.    

Charles will be greatly missed by his children, Diane Strabala of North Liberty, Susan (Kevin) Christensen of Omaha, Nebraska and Bonnie (Keith) Clarke of Riverside; four grandchildren, Danielle Christensen, Devin (Li-Dunn) Chen, Bryce (Kloeigh) Clarke and Alyssa Clarke; one great grandson, Kayson Charles Clarke and siblings, Thomas (Julia) Strabala of Mesa, Arizona and Michael (Connie) Strabala of Cedar Rapids.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Marlene and brothers, Lynne Strabala and Wayne Strabala.

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