George Hartley
October 13, 1942 - December 13, 2025
Obituary
George Grant Hartley, age 83 of Platteville, WI, passed away on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the University Hospital in Iowa City, IA. Born on October 13, 1942, in Waukon, IA, George was the 2nd 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.
George met Julaine Karen Ruckdaschel in Mr. Lang's history class, during their sophomore year at Waukon High School. They were married on June 14, 1961, at the Glenwood Lutheran Church in Decorah, Iowa. Their marriage brought forth four children and the family lived in several communities including Des Moines, Waterloo, and Marshalltown, Iowa, and lastly, Platteville, Wisconsin.
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; children, George (Emily) Hartley of Winona, MN, Michael Hartley of Merced, CA, and Tricia Beck of Platteville; grandchildren, Kayla Steil, Quinn (Paola) Hartley, Joshua (Justice) Beck, Korey Steil, Kasey (Virginia) Steil, Grace (Eric) Johnson, Lydia Hartley, Jaret Hartley, and Kamryn Steil; great-grandchildren; Sawyer, Asher, Wilder, Cynthia, and Palmer; brothers, John Hartley of Postville, IA, and Glenn (Barb) Hartley of Irma, WI; and son-in-law, Joe Steil.
George was preceded in death by his parents, Grant and Esther Hartley; daughter, Cynthia Steil; great-grandson, Casper Beck; daughter-in-law, Diane Hartley; sister-in-law, Ruth Hartley, and nephew, Dave Hartley.
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 11am at Melby Funeral Home & Crematory (1245 N. Water St. Platteville, WI) with visitation beginning at 9am, George will be laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery in Platteville. The Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.