“Dan Marburger: Iowa Principal Who Risked Life in School Shooting Remembered for Heroic Actions”

Accident – death – Obituary News : Iowa Principal Dan Marburger Remembered for Heroism and Unconditional Love

West Des Moines, Iowa – Mourners gathered at the Lutheran Church of Hope on Saturday to pay tribute to Dan Marburger, the longtime principal of Perry High School who tragically lost his life while trying to save students during a school shooting earlier this month. Marburger, 56, had served as principal since 1997 and had been a beloved figure in the Perry community for nearly three decades.

The shooting took place on January 4th in the school’s cafeteria, where students were gathering for breakfast before classes began. An 11-year-old sixth grader lost their life in the incident, and six others were injured. The 17-year-old student responsible for the shooting ultimately took his own life. Investigators later praised Marburger for his selfless actions, stating that he had placed himself in harm’s way in an effort to protect his students.

Superintendent Clark Wicks described Marburger as a hero, highlighting how he intervened with the teenage gunman to create an opportunity for students to escape. However, during the funeral service, Marburger’s family emphasized that they will remember him most for the love and compassion he showed towards them and his students throughout his life.

Marburger’s daughter, Claire Marburger, spoke emotionally about her father’s unwavering support and presence in their lives. She shared that her father always made sure to attend every event they participated in and would often send them money through Venmo, even after they had moved away for college. Claire expressed her deepest wish to have just a few seconds to embrace her father once more and hear him say how proud he was of her.

Elizabeth Marburger, Dan’s wife of 43 years, spoke about the unconditional love and grace that he embodied every day. She encouraged everyone to seek out someone in their lives who could love them unconditionally, just as Dan had loved her. Elizabeth also urged the community to focus on the good in the world, emphasizing the importance of finding positivity amidst the recent tragedy.

The Perry community has come together in the aftermath of the shooting, providing support to those affected and raising funds to aid the victims. Even the family of the perpetrator has received meals from residents, showing a remarkable display of empathy and compassion. While the town continues to heal, plans have been made to gradually reopen the schools, starting with the elementary and middle schools before the high school.

Although life in Perry is far from normal, the community remains resilient. The investigation into the motive behind the shooting is still ongoing, with authorities examining the suspect’s social media posts and gathering witness testimony. As the town looks towards the future, they strive to create a safer environment for their students, implementing measures such as restricted access and the presence of uniformed police officers.

In a time of sorrow, the legacy of Dan Marburger lives on through the love he shared with his family and the impact he had on the Perry community. As they remember his heroic actions and unwavering compassion, the residents of Perry continue to support one another and search for the good in the world..