Mourners gather after the tragic death of a longtime Iowa principal who risked his life to save students during a shooting. Many filled the church auditorium to remember the Perry High School principal who passed earlier this month for his heroic actions.
Also, they gathered to remember the unconditional love and compassion he showed students during his years at the school. Mourners filled the Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines, 30 miles (48 kilometers) from Perry High School. The late principal, Dan Marburger, had worked in the school since 1995 and was the principal since 1997.
However, he died on January 14, 2024, in the hospital, ten days after the shooting at his school. According to reports, the January 4 attack left Marburger, 56, critically injured. The attack began in the joint middle and high school cafeteria as students gathered for breakfast before class.
The shooting also led to the death of an 11-year-old sixth grader and left six other people injured. In addition, the 17-year-old student who opened fire also died of a self-inflicted gunshot. Following the tragic incident, investigators commented on the shooting and commended the High School Principal.
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They said Marburger “acted selflessly and placed himself in harm’s way in an apparent effort to protect his students.” Similarly, Perry Superintendent Clark Wicks said Marburger was a “hero” who intervened with the teenage gunman so students could escape. However, his family said they would remember how Marburger loved them most.
Marburger’s daughter, Claire Marburger, spoke about her father and late high school principal. She said Marburger’s five kids “never had to question if dad cares or was thinking of us.” She said he would always show his love through his presence at every one of their events and his compassion.
Marburger’s daughter noted that there were occasions when he couldn’t be there every day after his kids went to college. However, she said he often sends them money to eat outside the cafeteria or top their gas tanks. “But he also still tried to be there,” she said.
Furthermore, she noted he regularly drove 3.5 hours on a school night to watch her play basketball in college. “If I had a genie with one wish, it wouldn’t be a new car or a house or a dollar amount,” Claire Marburger said amid tears. “It wouldn’t even have to be to have Dad back because I know that’s a big wish.”
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“My wish would be for one of Dad’s hugs, just a couple seconds to hold him,” she continued. “And he holds me to kiss me on the top of my head and tells me he’s proud of me.” Also, Elizabeth Marburger said she got to experience her husband’s unconditional love for 43 years.
She revealed they first fell in love during the eighth grade, but it still wasn’t enough. “He modeled love and grace every day,” Marburger’s wife said. “My wish for all of you is to have someone who will love you unconditionally like Dan did for me.”
Following the tragic incident, the Perry community united to support everyone who was hurting. Also, they raised money to help the victims. Residents also arranged to make meals for the gunman’s family, who lost their son in a violent act they never saw coming.
Iowa authorities have said the suspect, Dylan Butler, had a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun with him. However, the investigation into what drove Butler to bring guns to his school and open fire remains ongoing.
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