John Primrose

Born on June 4, 1939, in Denver, Colorado, to John W. Primrose and MarthaEllen (Knox) Primrose, John graduated from Hastings High School in Hastings, Nebraska, in 1957. Following high school, John joined the U.S. Navy, where he met and married Sally Lopez. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Nebraska to begin the next chapter of his life and career. 

John began his fire service career as a volunteer with the Fremont Fire Department in 1963 and transitioned to a full-time paid position in 1965. During his distinguished career, he served in numerous leadership roles, including President of the Fremont Firefighters Association, Captain of Inspections, and Fire Marshal, a position to which he was appointed in 1970. Later, John accepted a position as an investigator with Robins, Davis & Lyons LLP in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

John was an active and respected member of both the Nebraska and Minnesota Chapters of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI). He proudly served the organization for decades at both the chapter and international levels. The pinnacle of his career came when he served as International President of the IAAI from 1987 to 1988. In recognition of his dedication and service, John received numerous honors, including the establishment of the John H. Primrose Scholarship, which supports attendance at the annual IAAI training conference. He also achieved lifetime membership in the Nebraska, Minnesota, and International Associations of Arson Investigators. John deeply valued serving his community and also proudly served as a member of the Police Reserves in Bloomington, Minnesota. 

Outside of his professional accomplishments, John was an avid and devoted Nebraska Cornhuskers fan, especially when it came to football. GBR!

John was preceded in death by his parents, John W. Primrose and MarthaEllen (Knox) Primrose, and his sister, Carmen (Primrose) Grimm. 

He is survived by his former wife, Sally (Lopez) Primrose; his son, John W. Primrose; his daughter, Jodi F. Primrose; grandchildren Paul, Danielle, Shawn, Nikolas, and Gabrielle; great-grandsons Abel, Grayson, and Odin; dear friend Glenna; extended family in New Mexico; and many cherished friends. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Fremont Fire Department, 415 E. 16th St., Fremont, NE 68025, or the Nebraska Chapter of the IAAI, P.O. Box 3632, Omaha, NE 68103. 

John’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Woodland Assisted Living and St. Croix Hospice for the compassion, care, and love they showed him. 

A private family service will be held. 

Interment will take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel.