05/15/2026
Please extend your thoughts and prayers to the Primrose family in their time of greif.
John H. Primrose Fire Investigator June 1939-May 2026
God Bless RIP John H. Primrose, you will be gratefully missed. and thanks for leaving your legacy behind along with your contribution to the field of fire investigations. The IAAI Foundation board of directors sends their thoughts and prayers and thanks for your scholarship which is used to support fire investigators from your community.
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 from 1991 until the time of his
retirement in 1999 when he retired as Sergeant.
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.
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