Current:Home > MarketsPerry High School Principal Dan Marburger, wounded in Jan. 4 shootings, dies early Sunday-InfoLens
Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger, wounded in Jan. 4 shootings, dies early Sunday
View Date:2024-12-23 14:25:57
An Iowa high school principal died on Sunday, more than a week after he was critically wounded in the Jan. 4 shootings at Perry High School, his family said.
Dan Marburger's wife, Elizabeth, posted the tragic news on a GoFundMe page for the family.
"At 8:00 am, Jan 4, Dan lost his battle," she wrote. "He fought hard and gave us 10 days that we will treasure forever."
Gov. Kim Reynolds, in a news release, said she had ordered flags at all state facilities lowered to half-staff in Marburger's honor, and encouraged others to do so. She and her husband offered a message of sympathy.
“Our entire state is devastated by the news of Dan Marburger’s death," Reynolds said. "Kevin and I offer our deepest condolences to his wife and family as we pray for their comfort during this very difficult time."
Courageous hero:Perry High School principal distracted shooter, saved lives, daughter says
Marburger attempted to distract shooter so kids could flee
Marburger, 57, had been widely praised for his heroism in the shootings. Several accounts said that before he was shot, he attempted to distract the shooter, student Dylan Butler, 17, giving other students time to escape the school cafeteria where the shootings began during breakfast.
"Dan courageously put himself in harm’s way to protect his students, and ultimately gave his own life to save them," Reynolds said. "He will forever be remembered for his selfless and heroic actions. May he rest in peace.”
A student from Perry Middle School, adjacent to the high school, also died in the attack. The funeral for Ahmir Jolliff was held Friday in Perry.
Two other school staff members and four students were wounded. Two of the students remained hospitalized as of Friday.
Shooting:Police say 6th-grader killed, 5 injured by 17-year-old in Iowa school shooting
He always knew he wanted to be a teacher
Marburger was a native of Sabula, an eastern Iowa town on the Mississippi River. He attended what was then East Central High School in Miles and graduated from Central College with a degree in education in 1989. He later earned a master's in educational administration from Drake University.
He had worked in the Perry school district for nearly 30 years, telling the Perry Chief in 1995, when he was an assistant principal, that "I always knew I'd be a teacher."
“I had great teachers I wanted to be like,” said Marburger, who taught social studies at East Central Community High School and then middle school computer skills for two years.
He also taught physical education and had been an athletic director and middle school administrator. Marburger said he especially enjoyed teaching history, as well as coaching.
He said he'd been a B-average student who had participated in sports and been class president.
He was a football player at Central and described himself as an avid golfer who enjoyed sporting events, including college football games.
veryGood! (47)
Related
- LSU student arrested over threats to governor who wanted a tiger at college football games
- The Best Bond-Repair Treatments for Stronger, Healthier & Shinier Hair
- First-time homebuyers aren't buying until mortgage rates drop. It could be a long wait.
- Defense highlights internet search for hypothermia in Karen Read murder trial
- Judge extends the time to indict the driver accused of killing Johnny Gaudreau and his brother
- UCLA police chief reassigned following criticism over handling of campus demonstrations
- Grizzly that mauled hiker in Grand Teton National Park won’t be pursued
- The USPS is repeatedly firing probationary workers who report injuries, feds claim
- Certifying this year’s presidential results begins quietly, in contrast to the 2020 election
- Street shooting in Harrisburg leaves 2 men dead, 3 people wounded
Ranking
- North Carolina offers schools $1 million to help take students on field trips
- Nordstrom’s Half-Yearly Sale Is Full of Epic Home & Fashion Deals up to 60% off, Including SKIMS & More
- Atalanta stuns Bayer Leverkusen in Europa League final, ending 51-game unbeaten streak
- Family of New Jersey woman last seen in 2010 prepares for funeral after remains found in river
- Solawave Black Friday Sale: Don't Miss Buy 1, Get 1 Free on Age-Defying Red Light Devices
- Viral Four Seasons baby takes internet by storm: 'She's so little but so grown'
- Louisiana lawmakers approve bill similar to Texas’ embattled migrant enforcement law
- Who won 'Jeopardy! Masters'? After finale, tournament champ (spoiler) spills all
Recommendation
-
Man charged with murder in fatal shooting of 2 workers at Chicago’s Navy Pier
-
Vancouver Canucks' Rick Tocchet wins Jack Adams Award as NHL coach of the year
-
Coast Guard says Alaska charter boat likely capsized last year after flooding, killing 5
-
Bodycam video shows encounter with woman living inside Michigan store's rooftop sign for a year
-
Caitlin Clark has one goal for her LPGA pro-am debut: Don't hit anyone with a golf ball
-
Venus Williams among nine women sports stars to get their own Barbie doll
-
Three little piggies at a yoga class = maximum happiness
-
Tamera Mowry Shares Honest Message About “Not Perfect” 13-Year Marriage to Adam Housley