$100K fundraiser for family of Perry High School principal Dan Marburger surpasses goal
A GoFundMe campaign for the family of Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger, who died early Sunday morning after being critically wounded in the Jan. 4 shootings at the high school, has surpassed its original $100,000 goal, with over $190,000 being raised and a new goal of $250,000.
"After 10 days, he lost his battle and this tragedy took his life," the organizer of the fundraiser, Laura Skeel, an Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator at Perry schools, said in the GoFundMe post. "Although Dan is no longer fighting with us here, his family will continue to deal with the unfathomable for many days, week, and years to come. All of the Marburger family and the entire Perry Community will forever be touched by the selflessness of Mr. Marburger."
According to the post, the funds will be used for "the Marburger family as they process through and live out Dan's legacy."
Marburger was among the heroes in the Jan. 4 tragedy, according to law enforcement officials. He had intervened to distract shooter Dylan Butler, a 17-year-old student who killed himself after the rampage, officials said. Ahmir Jolliff, 11, was killed and four other students along with two other staff members were wounded.
Jolliff's funeral was held Thursday in Perry.
More: ‘We are in this together’: Perry mourns, seeks healng at Ahmir Jolliff’s funeral
The Perry shooting and Marburger's story have touched students, teachers and others around the nation.
"As educators here in Texas for many years, the hearts of my wife and I are with you," said a tribute post from the funeral home handling Marburger's funeral arrangements, Caldwell Parrish. "I cannot imagine your grief and pain, but I can imagine what kind of educator he must have been.
"Growing up in Sabula Iowa, where Dan grew up, he was my social studies teacher my senior year high school," another tribute post said. "He was always honest and wouldn’t lie to you. He will be greatly missed by his family back home and by all that grew up with him and his sisters."
More: Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger, wounded in Jan. 4 shootings, dies early Sunday
The Perry Community School District posted a message on its Facebook page Sunday, expressing its condolences to the Marburger family.
"Dan was a tremendous leader in our school district and a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Our school community is heartbroken by Dan’s death," it said. "For nearly three decades, Dan was ingrained in every aspect of our Perry Community School District environment, and we are feeling the immense loss of a devoted and caring colleague."
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and her husband also offered their sympathies in a news release.
“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."
Arrangements for Marburger's funeral are being handled by Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Perry, which said it expects to post the details sometime Tuesday.
Kyle Werner is a reporter for the Register. Reach him at kwerner@dmreg.com
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: GoFundMe for family of Perry High principal Dan Marburger tops goal
