Graber was the "best of us"

Fort Madison lost one of its true leaders this week. True in every sense of the word – as a lawmaker, as a spiritual leader, a financial advisor, a veteran, a volunteer, and above all else a husband, father, and grandfather.
Martin Graber, Rep. Martin Graber as we were fortunate enough to call him for the past five years, made it a priority in his life to be there for others.
I got to know Rep. Graber through his engagement with the Lee County Republican party, not through financial counseling or the Rodeo or the many other places you would find him on any given day, evening, or weekend.
I also got to know Coni over the past years as a woman with the same moral compass and dedication to others as her husband, gone way too soon.
Rep. Graber was 72 years old, but for some reason, seemed to be in a place where he was making the biggest difference in the lives of those around him.
He had been named chairman of several committees and subcommittees in the Iowa statehouse, and was a man they looked to for guidance in veterans' issues, economic issues, and local government.
Rep. Graber used his professional experiences in finance and as a three-decade member of the Iowa National Guard, to champion the reinvestment of state veteran funding to create a better return on those investments creating a much healthier resource for our state’s fighting men and women.
Anytime journalists and politicians get together, there’s a sense of awkwardness. Elected officials are regularly and measuredly careful in what they say, and we as journalists, regularly and measuredly are careful in what we ask.
Rep. Graber wasn’t that way. He was not shy about saying exactly what was on his mind when it came to the issues of state and local importance. He never shied away from issues. He was steadfast in his opinions and agendas for the people of Lee County and when pushed at legislative forums, he kept that strength.
The buzz will no doubt start humming next week, if it hasn’t already and it has, about who will fill the vacancy this tragedy has created. We shall not use the word replace, because you cannot replace Rep. Graber.
Lee County Republican Party Chairman James Creen issued a statement Friday evening that sums things up pretty well in a note to Rep.  Graber’s family.
“May you find comfort in knowing that Martin's legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched during his time in public service.”
Creen also said, “Martin was a tireless advocate for his community, diligently addressing the needs and concerns of his constituents. He was a strong voice for rural Iowa, fighting for the interests of farmers, small business owners, and families. His dedication to public service was evident in every aspect of his work, from committee meetings to town hall gatherings.”
Governor Kim Reynolds was also poignant in her thoughts Friday.
“Martin was the best of us…”
It takes something special and some serious fortitude to put your name on a ballot to represent all the people when some of the people will push back on that decision. Rep. Graber had that something special.
State Sen. Jeff Reichman, who worked regularly with Rep. Graber, said this of the loss of his friend and peer. “Martin was a friend, a fellow legislator, and a brother in arms. He will be greatly missed.”
He also said, “Martin Graber was a man of the people.”
Iowa Speaker Pat Grassley echoed the sentiments of his colleagues.
"He was a friend to all. His genuine care for everyone he encountered was clear wherever he went. He was an exceptional representative. "
There can be no doubt in any nook or cranny of the comprehensive minds of Lee County residents that Rep. Graber was a “man of the people” and “the best of us”.
When I think back at all the times I put a voice recorder up to him, or called him on the phone, his professionalism was intact, his knowledge sharp and ready, his commitment obvious, and his integrity and respect for the process on full alert.
For those of us who try to chronicle the meanderings of our days here in Fort Madison and Lee County, Martin Graber will never be forgotten. His legacy will shroud us as we continue to benefit from his decades and decades of commitment to our city, county, state, and nation.
Godspeed, Martin. And God bless those suffering.
Chuck Vandenberg is editor and co-founder of Pen City Current and can be reached at Charles.V@PenCityCurrent.com.