West Des Moines, Iowa – Mourners gathered at the Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines to honor Dan Marburger, the beloved principal of Perry High School, who tragically lost his life ten days after bravely intervening in a school shooting. Marburger, who had worked at the school since 1995 and served as principal since 1997, was critically injured during the January 4th attack, which claimed the life of an 11-year-old student and injured six others. The 17-year-old student who initiated the shooting also died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Despite being hailed as a hero for his selfless actions that fateful day, Marburger’s family reflected on his unwavering love and compassion at his funeral. His daughter, Claire Marburger, spoke of their father’s constant presence and support, even after they had left for college. She fondly remembered the small gestures of love, such as sending a few dollars on Venmo or driving 3.5 hours to watch her play basketball. Elizabeth Marburger, his wife, shared their enduring love story, emphasizing the importance of unconditional love and grace in the world.
The Perry community rallied together in the aftermath of the tragedy, offering support to the victims’ families and raising funds to aid their recovery. However, the town of 8,000 people continues to grapple with the traumatic events, as they bid farewell to another shooting victim, Ahmir Jolliff. The school district plans to gradually reopen its doors, with heightened security measures in place to ensure the safety of the students and staff.
As the investigation into the shooting continues, authorities are scrutinizing the assailant’s social media activity and gathering witness testimony. The town remains unsettled, with some parents expressing unease about sending their children back to school. The community’s resilience and ongoing support for one another serve as a testament to the strength of the human spirit, even in the face of tragedy.