DES MOINES, Iowa — Longtime Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger died Sunday at about 8 a.m. in a Des Moines hospital 10 days after he was shot in a gun rampage at the school that left two students dead and six others injured.
“Our entire state is devastated by the news of Dan Marburger’s death,” said Iowa. Gov. Kim Reynolds in a statement issued Sunday. “Kevin and I offer our deepest condolences to his wife and family as we pray for their comfort during this very difficult time. Dan courageously put himself in harm’s way to protect his students and ultimately gave his own life to save them. He will forever be remembered for his selfless and heroic actions. May he rest in peace.”
The governor has ordered all flags in Iowa to be lowered to half-staff on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, and remain at half-staff until sunset on the day of Marburger’s funeral and internment.
Flags will be flown at half-staff on all public buildings, grounds and facilities throughout the state, and individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.
A GoFundMe page has been established, Marburger Family Healing, and donations will assist the family with medical costs and associated burdens. PCSD teacher Laura Skeel organized the GoFundMe page and made this statement on it:
Although the news has not fully set in yet, Dan Marburger gave the ultimate sacrifice. After 10 days, he lost his battle, and this tragedy took his life. Although Dan is no longer fighting with us here, his family will continue to deal with the unfathomable for many days, week and years to come. All of the Marburger family and the entire Perry Community will forever be touched by the selflessness of Mr. Marburger. This GoFundMe will continue to be used for the Marburger family as they process through and live out Dan’s legacy.
Dan Marburger is more than the Perry High School Principal. Dan is a husband, a father, a grandpa, a son, a brother, an uncle, a cousin and a friend who lives and breathes for his family. Being the principal at Perry High School since 1995 also means that Dan’s family includes those who have ever walked the halls of Perry High School. The love and admiration he has for any current and former students and staff characterizes the pride that Dan has for his building
Dan endured significant injuries in the tragic events at Perry High School on Thursday Jan. 4, putting himself in harm’s way to ensure as many students and staff could safely exit the building. While his biggest priority right now is healing, the family is facing the reality that things in the Marburger family may never look the same. This GoFundMe is created in an effort to take one thing off of their plate so that they can focus on caring for Dan and his healing. All donations will go directly to the Marburger Family for immediate medical costs but also for the long road of healing in the days, weeks and years ahead.
