Donations for Iowa Principal Killed in Shooting Top $197K

A GoFundMe campaign, organized to help the family of Dan Marburger, the Iowa school principal who died Sunday after being wounded in the shootings at Perry High School, has surpassed its original goal of $100,000, The Des Moines Register is reporting.

“As of Tuesday morning, the fundraising campaign had brought in $197,673 and the goal had been raised to $250,000,” organizers wrote on the GoFundMe page.

“Although the news has not fully set in yet, Dan Marburger gave the ultimate sacrifice. After 10 days, he lost his battle and this tragedy took his life. 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. This GoFundMe will continue to be used for the Marburger family as they process through and live out Dan’s legacy.

“Dan Marburger is more than the Perry High School Principal. Dan is a husband, a father, a grandpa, a son, a brother, an uncle, a cousin, and a friend who lives and breathes for his family. Being the principal at Perry High School since 1995, also means that Dan’s family includes those who have ever walked the halls of Perry High School. The love and admiration he has for any current and former students and staff characterizes the pride that Dan has for his building.”

Marburger was shot in the Jan. 4 attack, which began in the school’s cafeteria as students were gathering for breakfast before class. An 11-year-old middle school student was also killed in the shooting, and six other people were injured. The 17-year-old student who opened fire also died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot.

The day after the shooting, the state Department of Public Safety said Marburger “acted selflessly and placed himself in harm’s way in an apparent effort to protect his students.”