Jack Lee Mortley

Born to Ernest and Thelma Mortley on Nov. 6, 1930, in Newton, Iowa during the Great Depression, Jack Mortley knew a happy childhood despite the hardships around him. His mother and father had four children, and even though they did not have much and worked demanding blue-collar jobs, they taught him the value of kindness and charity to those with less and to those in need. One could see these qualities in Jack in all he did during his long life. After graduating from Newton High School, Jack served honorably in military intelligence in the Korean war. When discharged, he and his older brother Gene became the first family members to attend college. He attended the University of Iowa, graduating with a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering. Jack married Inez Bowie and moved to Albuquerque, NM where he came to work in 1959 as an Engineer at Sandia National Labs. He eventually became a Division Leader, and finally retired from the Labs in 1994. He raised three children, Hunter, Kirk, and Tanya. He passed along his love of skiing to his family as they went on many ski trips together. He also made sure his family stayed in touch with all their relatives in Iowa, traveling together on many happy trips during the summer to his home state. Sadly, Kirk died at 14 years old in 1973. In 1994 Jack married Margie Heeter Morris, with whom he continued his life of caring and giving to his family, to those in need, and even to some crazy dogs who just needed a good home. His family continued to flourish and eventually came to include six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Jack and Margie hosted many a Christmas and Easter Egg hunt that the grandchildren looked forward to as the highlight of their year. Family always came first, and everyone knew Jack had their back if times got tough. He fought through many personal trials during his life but even when things got rough late in life, he still remembered what was most important. He loved life and loved his family. He fought the good fight all the way until his passing. He can now find comfort and joy in greeting those who passed before him, his son Kirk, his mother and father, brother Gene, and sisters Karen and Marilyn. He is alive in our hearts as we bid farewell, until we all meet again. He is survived by his wife Margie Mortley, his children Hunter and wife Lorrie, and Tanya Doll, grandchildren Nicolette Sigmon and husband Lance, Marshall Mortley and wife Amanda, Clinton Mortley, Jackson Mortley and partner Joseph Rael, Evan Doll, and Alix Doll, great-grandchildren Harley Sigmon, Gavin Sigmon, Jaelyn Sigmon, Kate Sigmon, Brielle Mortley, and Brooklyn Mortley, brother-in-law Steve Pohorsky, nephews Jeff Griggs and wife Paula, Brent Pohorsky and wife Linda, and nieces Nickolet Sand and husband Chris, and Cari McPartland and husband Kelly, and so many other friends too numerous to mention ... and of course, his beloved dogs, Toby and Bruno. Jack wanted a wake with no sad faces which will be held on Jan. 7, 2023. Contact Margie Mortley or Hunter Mortley for time and place.