Rep. Martin Graber dies unexpectedly at 72

Local, state officials react to tragic loss.

Posted

FORT MADISON – According to the Lee County Republican party, three-term State Rep. Martin Graber of Fort Madison died this morning after suffering a massive heart attack.

Graber was just elected to his third term in the November general election. He was a financial adviser with Ameriprise, worked at Dial Corp, and was a brigadier general in the Iowa National Guard

He leaves behind a wife, Coni, two daughters, and two grandchildren. He was 72.

State Senator Jeff Reichman issued the following statement:

"Martin Graber was a father, grandfather, husband, brigadier general, and 28-year member of the Iowa National Guard. A child of God, he attended and gave sermons at Fort Madison Christian Church. Graber was a son of Lee County, born in Donnellson, and graduated from Central Lee. He was a lifelong resident of Lee County, a local businessman, and member of several local organizations. He was also a patriot, dedicating 28 years of his life to our State's and Nation’s defense. Finally, Martin Graber was a man of the people. I met Martin when I started attending Lee County Republican meetings. Over the past years, we have attended countless events and parades together, occasional Wednesday night chicken dinners, worked on legislation, and shared our pride in and vision for southeast Iowa. Martin was a friend, a fellow legislator, and a brother in arms. He will be greatly missed. My prayers are with his beautiful wife Coni and his family."

Speaker Pat Grassley issued the following statement:

"Our caucus is devastated by the unexpected passing of our friend and colleague Martin Graber. 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.
 
Martin’s legacy will be one of kindness, hard work, and service. He served 32 years in the Army National Guard, retiring as a Brigadier General. He was first elected to the Iowa House in 2020. He was beloved by his community.
 
His presence in the Capitol will surely be missed. 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.  
 
As we grieve this loss, we pray for his soul, that he finds peace and eternal comfort with God."

Governor Kim Reynolds issued this statement following Mr. Graber's death:

“Kevin and I are heartbroken at the loss of our friend and colleague Representative Martin Graber. 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.”

Graber, Martin Graber, National Guard, Veteran, Fort Madison, Iowa, State Rep, State Representative,

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