Iowa Rep. Martin Graber, a Republican from Fort Madison, died unexpectedly Friday morning at the age of 72, according to a statement from House Speaker Pat Grassley.
“Our caucus is devastated by the unexpected passing of our friend and colleague Martin Graber,” Grassley said in a statement Friday afternoon. “First and foremost, we extend our heartfelt prayers to his entire family during this difficult time, namely his two daughters, two granddaughters, and his wonderful wife of 49 years, Coni.”
The statement did not list a cause of death.
Graber was elected to the Iowa House in 2020 and was serving his third term. He served 32 years in the Iowa National Guard and retired as a brigadier general.
He represented House District 100 in southeast Iowa, which encompasses most of Lee County, including Keokuk, Fort Madison and Donnellson.
Graber worked as a financial adviser at Ameriprise Financial Services Inc. and as a human resources manager at Dial Corporation, according to a legislative biography.
He graduated from Central Lee High School, received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa in 1976, a master of business administration from St. Ambrose University in 1987 and a master of strategic studies degree from the U.S. Army War College in 2002.
Graber was a member, elder and Sunday school teacher at the Fort Madison Christian Church, according to the biography.
He was a past chair of the Lee County Republican Party, past president of the Fort Madison Rotary Club and a volunteer with the Tri-State Rodeo.
“His presence in the Capitol will surely be missed,” Grassley said in the statement. “He was a friend to all. His genuine care for everyone he encountered was clear wherever he went. He was an exceptional representative. He worked diligently and took his role as the voice of House District 100 very seriously.”
Iowa law requires Gov. Kim Reynolds to call a special election to fill his seat in the Iowa House. The election must be held “at the earliest practical time, giving at least 18 days’ notice of the special election,” the law states.
Iowa leaders share condolences for state Rep. Martin Graber
Condolences for Graber quickly began pouring in Friday afternoon.
“Kevin and I are heartbroken at the loss of our friend and colleague Representative Martin Graber,” Reynolds said in a statement. “He served with distinction not only as a representative for his constituents in the Iowa House, but also as a career soldier in the Iowa National Guard where he held the rank of brigadier general (retired). He was passionate about his community, his family, and his faith. Martin was the best of us, and we send our heartfelt condolences to his wife of 49 years, Coni, his daughters, and his grandchildren.”
Republican Party of Iowa Chair Jeff Kaufmann said Graber’s contributions to Iowa, the conservative movement and the Republican Party were “unmatched.”
“He exemplified everything that was good and noble about a citizen legislator in our beloved state,” Kaufmann said in a statement. “Martin Graber was a patriot both in his uniform and in his role as a representative of the people. He was a friend and confidante, but more importantly, he was a tireless advocate for his constituents in southeast Iowa. We will miss his unmatched integrity, but those principles for which he stood for will stand even stronger. My deepest sympathy to his best friend and his treasured wife Coni Graber, his children, and family. Godspeed my friend.”
U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley also shared his condolences on social media.
“Saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of State Rep. Martin Graber of Ft. Madison,” Grassley wrote. “He was always so kind to Barbara & me. He will be missed. Our prayers are with his wife Coni & his family.”
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig called Graber “an incredible husband, father and grandfather” who loved his family and took pride in serving his community.
“In his years of service in the Iowa National Guard and the Iowa Legislature, Iowans could count on him to be a man of integrity,” Naig said in a statement. “Whether it was attending the Tri-State Rodeo like we did last summer or visiting a small business in his district, I always enjoyed spending time with him. My heart goes out to Coni, his beloved wife, and the entire Graber family, as well as his many friends and constituents. We will miss him and the significant impact he made on so many.”
Attorney General Brenna Bird said she was “devastated” to hear of Graber’s death.
“Rep. Martin Graber was a kind man with a heart of gold, strong faith, and a great sense of humor,” she said in a statement. “I am devastated to hear of his sudden passing. Rep. Graber touched the lives of many throughout his service both in the military and to southeast Iowa as a state legislator. Bob and I are praying for his wife, Coni, and the entire Graber family.”
State Auditor Rob Sand shared Reynolds’ statement on social media and said his “thoughts and prayers are with the family of Rep. Martin Graber today.”
Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. He can be reached by email at sgrubermil@registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8169. Follow him on X at @sgrubermiller.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa state Rep. Martin Graber dies unexpectedly at 72
