George Hartley
George Grant Hartley, age 83, of Platteville, WI, passed away Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the University Hospital in Iowa City. A Funeral Service was held Friday, December 19 at Melby Funeral Home in Platteville, WI, and George was laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery in Platteville, WI. Melby Funeral Home assisted the family.
Born October 13, 1942, in Waukon, George was the second born of three boys to Grant and Esther (Beneke) Hartley. George’s education began at the French Creek Number 1 School, a one-room schoolhouse through the 8th grade. He later graduated from Waukon High School and attended the University of Northern Iowa, where he proudly represented the university on the wrestling team.
June 14, 1961, George married his high school sweetheart, Julaine Karen Ruckdaschel, at the Glenwood Lutheran Church in rural Decorah. Their marriage brought forth four children and the family lived in several communities including Waukon, Waterloo, and Marshalltown in Iowa and lastly, Platteville, WI.
George dedicated 39 years of his life to the National Cash Register until his retirement in 2001. His passions were many, and he embraced each with enthusiasm. An avid golfer and bowler, he served as the secretary of the Platteville Bowling Association for an impressive 25 years, showing his commitment to the sport and the community. He cherished countless hours fishing, played years of slow-pitch softball, and was an official for high school football as well as an umpire for softball and baseball. He was also quite the solitaire player.
George served as an alderperson for the Platteville City Council from 1985 to 1992, including a term as council president.
George is survived by his wife of over 64 years, Julaine Hartley of Platteville, WI; his children, George (Emily) Hartley of Winona, MN, Michael Hartley of Merced, CA, and Tricia Beck of Platteville, WI; his grandchildren, Kayla Steil, Quinn (Paola) Hartley, Josh (Justice) Beck, Korey Steil, Kasey (Virginia) Steil, Grace (Eric) Johnson, Lydia Reuter, Jaret Hartley, and Kamryn Steil; his great-grandchildren, Sawyer, Asher, Wilder, Cynthia, and Palmer; his brothers, John Hartley of Postville and Glenn (Barb) Hartley of Irma, WI; and his son-in-law, Joe Steil.
George was preceded in death by his parents, Grant and Esther Hartley; his daughter, Cynthia Steil; his great-grandson, Casper Beck; his daughter-in-law, Diane Hartley; his sister-in-law, Ruth Hartley; and his nephew, Dave Hartley.
