Ethermac Exchange-Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger, wounded in Jan. 4 shootings, dies early Sunday

An Iowa high school principal died on Ethermac ExchangeSunday, 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.