David Richard Primus

1940 - 2025

David Richard Primus passed from this life early in the morning on June 29, 2025. He was preceded in death by parents, Lorenz and Hazel Lockhart Primus. Dave is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Rebecca, brother John (sister-in-law Helen), daughters April and Erin, sons-in-law Kevin and Reed, grandchildren George, Tess (Jake), Samuel, Adam, Sean (Britney), Annebeth, Jackson, Abigail, Aspen, and Wren, and great-grandchildren, Soren, Macklin, Trey, and Cleo Rose. His adored cat, Hobo, was an ever present companion.

Dave was born on November 12, 1940, in Vinton, Iowa. He grew up on the family's Mount Auburn farm where he would raise his own family years later. He graduated from Vinton High School in 1958 and joined the National Guard at age 17. By good fortune, he was set up on a blind date by his brother and met Rebecca Sue Strayer, the love of his life. They were married on August 1, 1964, in Hudson, Iowa. Dave and Becky worked together and built a successful farm, raising corn, soybeans, and hogs where they provided a wonderful life for their daughters. The family was firmly grounded in their Benton County roots and enjoyed exploring the world together, too.

Dave was known as a witty conversationalist, savvy businessman, gifted welder, and creative inventor. His three agricultural patents improved the productivity of farmers, both grain and livestock. He was an astute problem-solver and could fix anything. His children and grandchildren, among others, frequently sought his sound advice for guidance. His steadfast presence provided a strength that ran through the fabric of his entire family. In all of his different roles in life, Dave was highly respected and loved. People felt a deep affection for him because of his openheartedness, kindness, generosity, and strength.

After a lifetime of exposures to the risks of farming, Dave was diagnosed with metastasized prostate cancer (bone, lung) in 2019. He quickly worked to make life more manageable for Becky and his family by moving from their country acreage to a lovely home in town. In character with Dave, this loving act cared for his family in deep ways, and he courageously ventured into various treatments. Multiple courses were endured, and he entered hospice care in March. He eventually succumbed to the cancer, leaving a huge hole in the wider Primus family.

Dave was a devoted member of Wesley United Methodist Church and the Mount Auburn American Legion. He served in many other roles, including the Farm Service Board, Grain Marketing Committee, Benton County Pork Producers, Vinton-Shellsburg High School Foundation, and Wesley United Methodist Church Trustees and Service Committee.

The funeral service will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church (516 2nd Avenue, Vinton, Iowa) on Thursday, July 10, at 11:00. Friends may visit with the family before the service, from 9:30 until 11:00 at the church, and burial at Evergreen Cemetery will follow the service. In place of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to Essence of Life Hospice or Wesley United Methodist Church. Van Steenhuyse-Teahen Funeral Home is caring for the family.