Rep. Martin Graber, a Fort Madison Republican representing Iowa House District 100, passed away unexpectedly Jan. 31, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the Iowa Legislature)
Iowa Rep. Martin Graber, a 72-year-old Fort Madison Republican, passed away Friday morning after a sudden heart attack, according to the Daily Gate City.
Graber represented Iowa House District 100 covering a section of Lee County in the southeast corner of the state including cities like Fort Madison and Keokuk. He was first elected to the House in 2020 and won reelection to serve his third term in the 2024 general election, coming into politics after serving for 32 years in the Army National Guard
Lawmakers and Iowa leaders mourned Graber in statements Friday, offering their condolences to his wife, Coni, their two daughters and two grandchildren.
Graber served 32 in the Army National Guard before retiring as a Brigadier General. According to his legislative biography, he worked as a financial advisor for Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in Fort Madison, in addition to serving on the Mississippi River Parkway Planning Commission and as an active member and Sunday school teacher at the Fort Madison Christian Church. Previously, he had served as president of the Fort Madison Rotary Club and chairman of the Lee County Republican Party.
House Speaker Pat Grassley said in a statement that Graber’s legacy “will be one of kindness, hard work, and service.”
“His presence in the Capitol will surely be missed,” Grassley said. “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.”
Gov. Kim Reynolds said she and her husband Kevin were “heartbroken at the loss of our friend and colleague.”
“He was passionate about his community, his family, and his faith,” Reynolds said. “Martin was the best of us, and we send our heartfelt condolences to his wife of 49 years, Coni, his daughters, and his grandchildren.”
Lawmakers like Rep. Bagniewski, D-Des Moines, reflected on their time at the statehouse with Graber, thanking him for his service in the state legislature.