Dan Marburger, 56, of Perry passed away Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, at the UnityPoint Health-Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa, surrounded by his loving family.
Visitation for Dan will be Friday, Jan. 19 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with the family present from 2-7 p.m., at the Perry Elementary School gymnasium at 1600 Eighth St. in Perry. Visitors should enter the school through the doors on the east side, near the PACES entrance.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 20 at 10 a.m. at the Lutheran Church of Hope at 925 Jordan Creek Parkway in West Des Moines. A private family burial will be held at Violet Hill Cemetery in Perry, Iowa.
The services will be live-streamed on the Lutheran Church of Hope website. A Celebration of Life will be held in eastern Iowa in the coming weeks.
Dan was born June 6, 1967, in Clinton, Iowa, the son of Richard “Ike” and Carole (Kramer) Marburger.
A native of Sabula, “the Island City,” Dan graduated from East Central Community High School in Miles. He graduated from Central College in 1989 with a bachelor of science degree in education.
Playing for the legendary Central College Football Coach Ron Schipper, Dan lived the core values of being a gentleman, a scholar and an athlete.
He returned to East Central High School, teaching social studies and computer skills, coaching football, girls basketball and golf and serving as one of the youngest athletic directors in the state of Iowa.
At the same time, he completed his master of science degree in educational administration from Drake University. In an interview with the Perry Chief, Dan said, “I always knew I’d be a teacher. I had great teachers I wanted to be like.”
Dan arrived in Perry as the associate principal at Perry High School in 1995. In 1997 he assumed the role of Perry High School principal at the age of 30.
Under his leadership, numerous academic programs were implemented including High Schools That Work, Project Creating Independence through Student-owned Strategies (CRISS), Data-Driven Leadership, Outcomes-Based Education and Forty Developmental Assets.
Revisions in the high school curriculum included the expansion of advanced placement courses, increased graduation expectations, the development of tutorial services for math, science and reading and the expansion of concurrent college credit course opportunities with the DMACC at Perry VanKirk Career Academy.
In the area of student services, developments included the School Resource Officer program, Alternative School program, At-Risk Program and the Student Advisor program.
Dan was named the Iowa High School Athletic Directors Association Administrator of the Year in 2007. He positively impacted four decades of students and staff.
Family time and travels were most meaningful for him. Grilling with the family and friends was a time to celebrate special moments and create lasting memories.
Reading, golf and watching sports were favorite pastimes.
Through the best of times and the worst of times, he stood by the Hawkeyes, the Vikings and the White Sox.
Dan was a big man with an even bigger heart. He went out of his way to make life the best for others with unconditional love and support.
Homecoming Wednesday Volunteer Service Day was a time to serve our school community and especially to give back and connect with senior citizens and area veterans. Senior Awards Night and Commencement Sundays were occasions to honor, personalize and to cherish bringing smiles to the faces of students and families and sharing in the joys of accomplishment and the recognition that another chapter of life has closed.
Dan represented the best qualities of being a Bluejay.
Dan is the proud husband of Elizabeth. Together they raised a family of Hannah (Scott Pierce), Seth (Morgan), Claire (Crystal), Grace (Joe Towers) and Ainsley. Grandpa’s babies are Hattie and Millie Pierce, and Lola and Miles Marburger, who knew there would be a freezer full of gummy bears, donut Fridays, bear traps, and plenty of popcorn and M&Ms. He is also survived by his parents, Ike and Carole Marburger; his siblings, Dawn Burkholder, Jeff (Shari) Marburger, Ken Marburger, Angie McGhee and JoEllen Hall; in-laws, Don and Carla Floming; nieces and nephews; and many other extended family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his father-in-law, Larry Clausen; one nephew, Nick Goodsman; grandparents; and his dog, Norm.
In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions to the family for a future scholarship fund in honor of Dan.
