James Hartley

On January 22, 2026 James walked off into the sunset after a long struggle with cancer. Greeting James on his arrival Home were his parents James and Dorothy, along with other family and friends. Keeping his memory alive is his loving wife Dena, children Andrew Smaxwill, Travis Hartley, Amber (Paul) Reddick, Brett, Ataleia and Andrew; grandchildren Benjamin, Owen and Will Reddick and Jayden Aansted.

James worked at Dairy Queen his whole life culminating in ownership for 16 years. Always willing to help out, James was a genuine and real person. Camping, fishing, cooking, poker and Sunday family dinners brought him immense joy. He will forever be thought of as the life of the party. As a convert to the Green Bay Packers James always loved watching the Vikings get stomped. Some highlights of James' year were fireworks on the 4th of July, award winning Halloween decorations, waterfall hunting and cruising in his BMW with the top down.

A Visitation will be held at Molthen Bell Funeral Home (700 Milwaukee Ave) on January 31, 2026 from 11:00am until a Celebration of Life at 1:00pm.