Perry, Iowa – The Perry High School community mourns the loss of Principal Dan Marburger, who heroically put himself in harm’s way to protect students during a school shooting earlier this month. Marburger, who served as principal since 1995, sadly passed away on Sunday morning.
According to the state Department of Public Safety, Marburger acted selflessly to shield his students from danger during the shooting. The news of his passing prompted an outpouring of condolences from the community, with approximately 200 individuals expressing their sympathies on the Perry Facebook page within the first hour after the announcement.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds offered her condolences, acknowledging Marburger’s bravery in sacrificing his own life to protect the students. In honor of his memory, Reynolds ordered all Iowa flags to be lowered to half-staff until the day of Marburger’s funeral and burial. This gesture of respect was extended to individuals, organizations, businesses, schools, and local governments throughout the state.
Marburger’s daughter, Claire, shared a heartfelt post on Facebook, describing her father as a “gentle giant” who always prioritized the safety of the students and staff. She expressed that it was characteristic of her father to place himself in harm’s way for the sake of others.
The tragic incident occurred on January 4, just as students were returning from winter vacation. Gunfire erupted in the school cafeteria, resulting in several injuries and the tragic loss of an 11-year-old middle school student. Marburger suffered severe injuries in the shooting, and six others were also hurt. The assailant, a teenager, ultimately perished from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Perry community, as well as the entire state of Iowa, mourns the loss of Principal Dan Marburger, who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect his students. His legacy of courage and selflessness will forever be remembered by those whose lives he touched.