PERRY, Iowa — The people of Perry, Iowa, bid farewell to yet another beloved community member.
Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger — who has been regarded as a hero for his intervention during a Jan. 4, 2024, school shooting — was remembered as an incredible person by those who knew him best in a public funeral on Saturday.
Hundreds of community members from Perry and surrounding areas came together at Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines Saturday morning. The service began with some of the Marburger family's music, a collage of photos of Dan and messages from two pastors.
“Everyone in this community, everyone of his students, everyone who has been impacted by Dan, the love he gave you will be there. It never ends," said Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church pastor Jeremy Winter.
Winter mentioned he had gotten to know the Marburger family through weddings, baptisms and "many basketball games" in the past, and delivered heartful messages and passages touching many throughout the sanctuary.
Marburger's wife, Elizabeth, said on Saturday: "[Dan] had five kids at home, and thousands of other children. He loved, absolutely loved, helping them be a part of every one of your lives."
Elizabeth and Claire Marburger, one of Dan and Elizabeth's five children, reflected on Dan's courage, care and love for the people in his life.
"My wish for all of you is to have someone," Elizabeth Marburger said. "A parent, a partner, a friend, a sibling, who will love you unconditionally like Dan did for me."
"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. "It wouldn't even have to be to have Dad back, 'cause I know that's a big wish. My wish would be for one of Dad's hugs. Just a couple seconds to hold him, and he'd hold me. To kiss me on the top of my head and tell me he's proud of me."
Winter told the family that, in the time he knew Dan, it was clear his family was the light of his life.
"Of all the things that he's accomplished in his life, and I mean he's done some great things for this town, and for the school, I know by far, by far, the proudest thing he had was you," Winter said.
The service comes just two weeks after a 17-year-old student opened fire in the high school, injuring seven and killing sixth grader Ahmir Jolliff.
Dan was shot multiple times that day, even allegedly putting himself in harm's way and attempting to calm down the shooter. He fought for his life in a Des Moines area hospital for 10 days, but ultimately passed away on Sunday, Jan. 14, surrounded by his family.
Claire Marburger, one of the 56-year-old's five children, shared a post on Facebook in memory of her father, writing in part:
"My Dad was an incredible man, educator, husband, Dad, grandpa. A person I aspire to be and hope to make proud every day. He will be greatly missed. I love you, Dad. You are the best, forever."
In a meeting held shortly after his passing was announced, vice president of the Perry School Board Eddie Diaz spoke about the loss the entire community has suffered.
“Dan wasn’t just a principal; he was a friend to many of us, a great father. It's still hard to convey the pain we are all feeling," Diaz said.
On Tuesday, Jan. 16, a processional took place outside of Perry High School, allowing friends, family and students to line the streets and welcome him back home..