James Leo “Hook” Hartley, 75, of Douds passed away at 6 a.m. July 10, 2026, with his loving wife by his side.
Born February 12, 1951, to Clifford and Margaret Overturff Hartley, he graduated in 1969 from Ottumwa High School. After serving in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, Leo worked for John Morrell & Co.; Martin Marietta, Lenox in Marshalltown and then worked for Alliant Energy for over thirty years as a gas welder and (CSM) Customer Service Mechanic in gas and electric for 14 towns and retired in 2013. He served as a Union Steward and was a member of the IBEW ( International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers). He was a member of the American Legion Post #494 in Douds. As a Boy Scout leader for many years, Leo took his troop rock climbing and camping in Colorado
On April 12, 2003, Leo married the love of his life, Treca Houser. They enjoyed many years at their Douds farm where Leo designed a beautiful lodge that was built on the property. Leo enjoyed spending time on the farm hunting and fishing. He also loved camping, woodworking and gardening. Leo was most proud of his large garden he planted every year. Leo and Treca spent several winters at their home in Florida. His favorite part of wintering in Florida was taking his cat, Callie, with him on the plane, and playing cards there with his sister-in-law and brother-in-law.
Leo loved his family and lived his life his way, true to himself. His grandchildren were very special to him and living close to his oldest granddaughter allowed him to attend her school and sporting events, often driving her in his truck and they would listen to his music and sing together.
He loved to cook and always kept a stocked ‘fridge and freezer whether at home in Iowa or wintering in Florida. It was a running joke wherever Leo was, you wouldn’t go hungry! Being generous to a fault, Leo loved to surprise his wife with flowers or gifts on special occasions or just because. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.
Surviving are his wife, Treca, of Douds; children, Wendy (Todd) Nordstrom of Craig, Colorado, Wes Hartley of Montezuma, Heather Wemer of Oskaloosa, Ryan (Toni) Shedenhelm of Ottumwa, and Josh Haley of Sarasota, Florida; five grandchildren, Madison Wemer, Sarah Johnson, Sophia Shedenhelm, Zoey Shedenhelm, and Tyler (Sofia) Nordstrom; a great-grandson Rueben Nordstrom; a sister, Becky (Dewey) Perdue of Marshalltown; sister-in-law, Leca Davis (Lee Jackson) of St. Joseph, Missouri; a niece, Amy Safley of Marshalltown; nephews, Dewey Perdue of Des Moines, Jon Grogan of Missouri, Don Grogan of Des Moines, and Fabien Grogan of Marshalltown.
Leo was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Rosemary Hartley, a brother Charles Hartley, father and mother-in-law, Bill and Ruth Davis, and a nephew, Gavan Duering.
Visitation will be open 11 a.m. Thursday, July 16th at Reece Funeral Home with the family present from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday, July 17th at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Phil Campbell officiating. Burial will be in Iowaville Cemetery near Selma with military honors conducted by the Iowa Army National Guard and American Legion Post #494.
Memorials may be made to the American Legion Post #494 or American Legion Auxiliary of Douds.
