Body of a former Marine found along the banks of the Iowa River

Local police recently recovered a veteran's body along the Iowa River's banks.

John Frimml, 49, of North Liberty, was found by Iowa City Police around 10 a.m. on Sept. 10 along the banks of the river "around the area" of the University of Iowa Memorial Union Pedestrian Bridge and the railroad bridge, police told the Press-Citizen.

A concerned passerby first reported the body to police.

Frimml turned 49 on Sept. 9.

Police said there is and was no public threat associated with the incident. An investigation is ongoing.

Frimml was born in Marengo and graduated from Benton High School in 1992. He enlisted in the Marine Corps and, upon his return, met his wife, Kimberly Thomas, in California, according to an online obituary. After a second tour overseas, Frimml returned to Iowa with his wife, and together they had twin daughters.

Jay, as Frimml was known to those close to him, “had a good sense of humor, a trait he passed to his daughters. He was witty, loved to scare people and could tell a great story,” his obituary said. “Jay was always loyal to friends and loved with his whole heart. He was selfless in his desire to help and protect others, and his ability to trust and see the good in all people.”

Frimml’s family also thanked the local Department of Veterans Affairs for their compassionate care in the obituary.

Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached at rhansen@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ryanhansen01.

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Iowa City police discover body of veteran on banks of Iowa River