Dr. Ernest C. Primmer Jr.
Dr. Ernest C. Primmer Jr.
Cedar Rapids
Dr. Ernest C. Primmer Jr. passed away Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022, at Sherman House Hospice in Pheonix, Ariz.. He was born Nov. 25, 1944, to Ernest and Marjorie Primmer in Davenport, Iowa.
Ernie was a graduate of St. Ambrose College in Davenport, then went onto earn his doctorate at the University of Iowa Dental School. In 1970 Ernie married Deborah Horstmann and to this union they were blessed with three children. Ernie enlisted in the Navy after dental school and served most of his time stationed as a dentist with the Marines in Vietnam. Upon returning to Cedar Rapids, Ernie began his private practice as a dentist and he truly enjoyed his chosen profession for nearly 47 years until he retired due to health issues in 2016. He often said that he thought of his staff more as family and he took much interest in his staff’s and patients’ lives.
Throughout his life he was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan, holding season tickets for many decades in both basketball and football. He followed the players recruiting and development until the very end, a true Hawk fan for life. His unique hobby of collecting butterflies took him and family all around the U.S. Great memories were formed wading through swamps and bogs, hiking up to mountain tops enjoying everything that nature provides. He was re-married to Sherry Black in 2003, they enjoyed traveling and making fond memories with family and friends. His other hobby was researching famous chefs, their culinary specialties, restaurants, etc., and would visit their restaurants when he could.
Ernie was preceded in death by both of his parents; brother, Robert; first wife, Debbie; and stepdaughter, Stephanie Wheatley. He is survived by his children; Forrest (Jen) Primmer of Iowa City, Katie Primmer of Cedar Rapids and Andrew (Maggie) Primmer of Walford, Iowa; his grandchildren, Mackenzie Oakley, Tiffany Primmer and Langston Primmer; stepgrandchildren, Austin and Reily Schmitz, Kaleb McMurray, Logan Melvin, Spencer and Roman Wheatley; sister in-law, Mary Primmer-Aamold; and nephews, Matthew and Brent Primmer.
A celebration of life will be planned at a future date.