Dan Marburger

Dan Marburger, age 56, passed away on January 14, 2024 at UnityPoint Health – Iowa Methodist Medical Center, in Des Moines, IA, surrounded by his loving family. Funeral rites were held in Des Moines, IA. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m., Saturday, February 3, 2024 at Calvary Lutheran Church, in Sabula, IA. Visitation will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. before the service. A meal celebrating Dan’s life will be held at the church, following the memorial service. Family and friends are encouraged to share in Dan’s life at lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Dan was born on June 6, 1967, in Clinton, Iowa. The son of Richard “Ike” and Carole (Kramer) Marburger.

A native of Sabula, “The Island City”, he graduated from East Central Community High School in Miles. Dan graduated from Central College in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science degree in education. Playing for the legendary Central College Football Coach Ron Schipper, he lived the core values of being a gentleman, a scholar, and an athlete. Dan returned to East Central High School teaching social studies and computer skills, coaching football, girls’ basketball, and golf, serving as one of the youngest Athletic Directors in the state of Iowa. At the same time, he completed his Master of Science degree in educational administration from Drake University. In an interview with the Perry Chief, Dan shared, "I always knew I'd be a teacher. I had great teachers I wanted to be like.”

Dan arrived in Perry, Iowa as the Associate Principal at Perry High School in 1995. In 1997, he assumed the role of Perry High School Principal at the age of thirty. Under his leadership numerous academic programs were implemented including “High Schools That Work”, Project CRISS (Creating Independence through Student-owned Strategies), Data Driven Leadership, Outcomes Based Education, and Forty Developmental Assets. Revisions in the high school curriculum included the expansion of advanced placement courses, increased graduation expectations, the development of tutorial services for math, science, and reading, and the expansion of concurrent college credit course opportunities with the DMACC at Perry VanKirk Career Academy. In the area of student services developments included the School Resource Officer program, Alternative School program, the At-Risk Program, and the Student Advisor program. He was named the Iowa High School Athletic Directors Association Administrator of the Year in 2007. Dan impacted four decades of students and staff.

Family time and travels were most meaningful for him. Grilling with the family and friends was a time to celebrate special moments and create lasting memories. Reading, golf, and watching sports were favorite pastimes. Through the best of times and the worst of times he stood by the Hawkeyes, the Vikings, and the White Sox. Dan was a big man with an even bigger heart. He went out of his way to make life the best for others with unconditional love and support. Homecoming Wednesday Volunteer Service Day was a time to serve our school community and especially to give back and connect with senior citizens and area veterans. Senior Awards Night and Commencement Sundays were occasions to honor, personalize, and to cherish bringing smiles to the faces of students and families sharing in the joys of accomplishment and the recognition that another chapter of life has closed. He represented the best qualities of being a Bluejay.

Dan is the proud husband of Elizabeth. Together they raised a family of Hannah (Scott Pierce), Seth (Morgan), Claire (Crystal), Grace (Joe Towers), and Ainsley. Grandpa’s babies are Hattie and Millie Pierce, and Lola and Miles Marburger who knew there would be a freezer full of gummy bears, donut Fridays, bear traps, and plenty of popcorn and M&M’s. He is also survived by his parents, Ike and Carole Marburger; his siblings, Dawn Burkholder, Jeff (Shari) Marburger, Ken Marburger, Angie McGhee, JoEllen Hall; in-laws, Don and Carla Floming; nieces and nephews and many other extended family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father-in-law, Larry Clausen; one nephew, Nick Goodsman; grandparents and his dog, Norm.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions to the family for a future scholarship fund in honor of Dan.