PERRY, Iowa — Community members lined the streets outside Perry High School as Principal Dan Marburger was brought home Tuesday.
Marburger suffered multiple gunshot wounds after a shooter opened fire inside the school on Jan. 4. He fought for his life in a Des Moines area hospital for 10 days, but ultimately passed away Sunday surrounded by family.
Students, staff members, and Perry residents braved bitter cold conditions as a processional brought Marburger's body from the hospital and through Perry.
Marburger has been widely praised for his heroic actions during the shooting. Community members have said they are grateful for his sacrifice.
“Dan wasn’t just a principal; he was a friend to many of us, a great father," said Eddie Diaz, vice president of the Perry School Board, at a meeting shortly after Marburger's death was announced. "It's still hard to convey the pain we are all feeling."
Many of those who gathered along the processional route held up signs for Marburger. One read, "forever in our hearts," while another read, "Dan, you are our hero."
Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a statement on Marburger's death Sunday, writing, "Dan Marburger courageously put himself in harm’s way to protect his students, and ultimately gave his own life to save them. He will forever be remembered for his selfless and heroic actions."
Other messages of support for Marburger's family and the Perry community have poured in from across the country. Over $200,000 has been raised in a GoFundMe campaign for the family in just 12 days.
Claire Marburger, one of Dan'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."