Michael Eugene Hartley was born January 2, 1986 at Fort Madison, Iowa, a son of Don Hartley and Karen (Henninger) Hartley. On January 1, 2010 he married Jenny Keeley, in Tennessee. She survives. Michael was one of Jehovah's Witnesses. He was a 2004 graduate of Fort Madison High School. From a young age he was constantly around his father's business and worked with him at Don's Tire and Auto, of Fort Madison. He additionally worked for Bagcraft Corporation, of Fort Madison. He enjoyed working on cars, local dirt track racing, Nascar, football, riding ATV's, and especially spending time with family and friends.

At 24 years of age, he died at 4:35 am Sunday August 22, 2010 at the Fort Madison Community Hospital as a result of injuries sustained in an ATV accident. He is survived by his wife, Jenny Hartley, and their unborn son Riley Michael Joseph Hartley; his parents, Donald and Karen Hartley, of Fort Madison; one brother, James Hartley, of Lockhart, Texas; one sister, Lora Hartley, of Knoxville, Tennessee; his paternal grandfather, James L. Hartley, of Fort Madison; several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Michael was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Eugene and Vera Henninger, his paternal grandmother Letha Hartley, and one brother Joseph Hartley.

The body of Michael Hartley has been cremated. His family will greet friends from 10:00 - 11:00 am Thursday, August 26, 2010 at the Barr Memorial Chapel. A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, August 26, 2010 at the Barr Memorial Chapel. Ron Fish will officiate. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery, Fort Madison. A memorial has been established, contributions may be made at the Barr Memorial Chapel.