John M Hatcher, age 66 of rural Iowa City, longtime finish carpenter, construction specialist (he’d laugh at that term), and agricultural hobbyist passed away peacefully at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics with his wife and daughter by his side on Thursday, June 12, 2025.
John Sr. (“Jack”) and Amelia (“Millie”) Hatcher drove through an Iowa snowstorm from the farm on Morse Rd to Millersburg (39 miles) to have John Michael Hatcher Jr. delivered at the doctor’s office on February 22, 1959. Many who heard of this “arrival trip” thought “How foolish?” of Jack to drive almost forty miles when they clearly could have just driven the seven miles to Iowa City. John saw through the smoke-screen and understood the respect his dad had for Millie by taking her to her birthing doctor who had successfully delivered her previous four children. This helped ensure the safe delivery of a healthy ten-pound John Michael Hatcher Jr. His siblings include Jerri Bruns (Del), Rick Walters (special friend Bev), Mike Walters (Barb), Bev Nelson (Larry), and Jean Hatcher (formerly married to Doug Fisher).
John held many professions; auto-mechanic, diesel mechanic, framer, woodworker, carpenter, handyman. He finally landed on starting his own business – John Hatcher Construction. John had numerous customers over the years – many of whom turned into valued lifelong friendships. During the planning process, he was able to envision not only their wants, but also the customers’ use. Because of this he could guide them through decisions to achieve an outcome that was often beyond what they expected. John took extra time and steps to make sure that things were completed “the right way”. He took pride in adding details to the final components of projects that set his work apart. Because of the quality of his workmanship, he had many repeat customers and several that wanted to put him on retainer. He refused and opted instead for the 24/7 phone calls.
John married Patricia M. Stewart on September 23, 1983. Their family includes Josh Stewart (Debbie), Jake Stewart (Meredith; Scarlett and Ray), Kaitlin Hatcher, and John “Harrison” Hatcher. In 2000 John, Pat, and Kaitlin moved from Iowa City to the farm on Morse Rd where they built their family home together. John taught Kaitlin how to sweat pipes, pull wires, drive a manual transmission truck, and forge trails in the woods. They captured all kinds of critters together and enjoyed many adventures exploring and sharing the nature of the farm with family and friends. For example, those same trails provided a space for Ben and Joyce’s son, Luke, to enjoy the outdoors during frequent Gator rides. John enjoyed working on the farm in his Cat excavator, tending to larger-than-life tomato gardens (which saw profit through his free-will donation mason jars), and splitting wood in his home-built wood shed (complete with a wood-burning stove for year-round splitting).
Most important to John were his family, friends, and customers. John had many fond memories of family time spent together in the earlier years with his nieces and nephews at holidays, game nights, graduations, and weddings. However, in the most recent years, John was excluded from family functions. While this was extremely difficult, it did allow John to grow closer to his niece Mieka and her husband Rusty. Mieka, Rusty and their family Josiah and Ashlyn continued to visit the farm and spend time with “Johnny”. John loved road-tripping. Mieka, Rusty, and Ashlyn unknowingly provided his last road trip to Missouri to pick up one of his many auction winnings.
Comfortable informal services will be held on the family farm (4970 Morse Road NE, Iowa City) Monday, June 16 at 11:00 a.m. followed by burial at the Morse Cemetery. A reception will be held at the Morse Community Center following the graveside service.
It is never easy making end-of-life decisions, but when presented with the idea of having his service on the farm, John replied “I love it, lots of work”. This service would not have been possible without the help of Mieka, Rusty, Josiah, Ashlyn, Brent Waters, Jake, Doug, Brad, Marci, Jay Proffitt Construction and staff, Keegan, Brent Donohoe, and Ben.
John was preceded in death by his son Harrison, his parents, sister Jean, and niece, Katrina Fisher.
For a complete obituary or to share a thought, memory, or condolence, please visit Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation service at www.gayandciha.com.