Michael J. Hartwell

Michael (Mick) Hartwell, 69, of Mason City, Iowa, passed away surrounded by those who loved him on March 5, 2026, in Mason City.

Mick was born on November 10, 1956, in Mason City, Iowa, to Gilbert Hartwell and Geraldine (Moon) Hartwell. The youngest of 3 sons, he attended Mason City High School where he excelled in track and field, setting a school record in sprints. He spent more than 30 years working as an iron worker with Iron Workers Local 67, a career he took great pride in. Mick enjoyed sharing stories about the many bridges and structures he helped build throughout Iowa and surrounding states. He was a seasoned expert in his field and could answer any question about how something was built or what it was like to work on certain projects. In conversations during his last days he shared stories about building the structure around the penguin enclosure at the Blank Park Zoo, something we can still go and visit today knowing the work of his hands has left a lasting mark not only there but in many places.

He was married for 19 years to Sharon Hartwell, and together they raised three children: Kristy (Shayne) Meinders, Eric (Patty) Hartwell, and Keri (Corey) Ostercamp.

Mick was a proud grandfather to Nyah (Darien) Edds, Leah (Bradley) Sierens, Austin Gansen, Carson Hartwell, Brinley Hartwell, Kilah Ostercamp, and C.J. Ostercamp. He loved to hear about anything and everything his grandkids participated in and was always the first to tell them how great they were. He never left a family event without a hug and an “I love you” for every one of his kids and grandkids.

Mick had a lifelong love of motorcycles and especially enjoyed riding the Harley-Davidson Street Glide he purchased after retiring in 2017. Through riding, he made many great friends and cherished the time spent on the open road. In recent years he also rekindled his love for playing pool and could be found competing several times a week in local leagues, where he enjoyed success in many tournaments. He was always the first to encourage and compliment other players in their game and was a great example of sportsmanship and skill.

Those who knew Mick will remember him as someone who would never hesitate to lend a hand, to step in when he saw there was a need and to be the first to show up when asked for help. While living in Newton, Iowa, he helped many in his neighborhood clean up after the derecho swept through in 2020, spending days outdoors working with his chainsaw and clearing debris. Throughout the years he was a helping hand to his children and grandchildren during house remodel projects and landscaping work, always working harder and faster than anyone else.

He loved to be around the people he cared about. When he talked about traveling, he didn’t talk about vacationing somewhere where he could see beautiful scenery or famous landmarks, but about traveling to spend time with friends who lived in the south or family in California. He loved his family and friends and cherished any time spent with them. He will be remembered as a man who truly loved his family and for the many close friendships he built throughout his life.

Mick is survived by his three children, Kristy (Shayne) Meinders, Eric (Patty) Hartwell, and Keri (Corey) Ostercamp; his seven grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. 

Mick was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Geraldine Hartwell, and his brothers, Larry Hartwell and Bruce Hartwell; and several extended family members.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 20, 2026, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 North Pennsylvania Ave., with Pastor Adam Henamen officiating. A visitation with family and friends will be held one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to his family.