Iowa House members were shocked and saddened on January 31 as news spread that their colleague, Republican State Representative Martin Graber, had died of a heart attack. Graber had been at the capitol the previous day, voting for the first three bills debated on the House floor during the 2025 legislative session.
A financial adviser in Fort Madison and former brigadier general in the Iowa National Guard (now retired), Graber was first elected to the Iowa House in 2020, defeating a Democratic incumbent. He just won a third term by more than a two-to-one margin in November.
Graber chaired the new Federal and Other Funds Appropriations subcommittee (established before the 2025 legislative session) and also served on the Local Government and Economic Growth and Technology committees. He previously chaired the Economic Development Appropriations subcommittee and served on the Commerce and Veterans Affairs panels.
House Speaker Pat Grassley said in a 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.
State Senator Jeff Reichman, whose Senate district includes the area Graber represented, provided the following statement to the Pen City Current.
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.
The governor’s office issued this statement from Governor Kim Reynolds.
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 is the first Iowa legislator to die in office since State Representative John Landon passed away after a long illness in 2021.
I’m sure the Bleeding Heartland community joins me in sending condolences and healing thoughts to loved ones and others who are mourning Graber’s passing.
Voters will choose a new representative for House district 100, which covers most of Lee County, in late February or March. When a vacancy in a state legislative district arises while the legislature is in session, state law requires the governor to set a date for a special election within five days and schedule that vote “at the earliest practical time, giving at least eighteen days’ notice of the special election.”
Top photo of State Representative Martin Graber in the Iowa House chamber was published on his political Facebook page in February 2024.