A well-respected Republican state lawmaker in Iowa unexpectedly passed away last week and now his colleagues are in mourning.

On Monday, members of both chambers of the state legislature took time out of their day to honor and pay tribute to late State Rep. Martin Graber, the Des Moines Register reported.

Graber, who hailed from Fort Madison and represented part of Lee County in the state House, died suddenly from a heart attack at age 72 on Friday.

Dead from a sudden heart attack

The Iowa Capital Dispatch reported last week that State Rep. Graber's sudden death from a heart attack Friday morning had shocked and saddened his colleagues on both sides of the aisle.

Iowa House Speaker Pat Grassley (R) said at the time that Graber would be remembered for his "kindness, hard work, and service" and that his "presence in the Capitol will surely be missed." The speaker added, "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."

Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds said she and her husband were "heartbroken at the loss of our friend and colleague," and further noted that Graber "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."

Even some Democrats paused Graber's passing, including State Rep. Sean Bagniewski, who acknowledged their political disagreements but also some shared interests outside of politics and said of his friend, "He took the responsibility of his office incredibly seriously, had a great, dry sense of humor, worked fairly with everyone regardless of party, and was tireless in fighting for his fellow veterans and Iowans. Our entire state is better because of him and his service."

Tributes and prayers

When lawmakers returned to the state capital on Monday, per the Register, they found a black cloth topped with red and white roses on Graber's desk and the day's session was begun with a special tribute and prayer for the deceased legislator.

Speaker Grassley told his mourning colleagues that "we lost a great friend and member of this body," and further stated, "If there’s one thing that I think we can all say about Rep. Graber -- and this doesn’t happen too often in this business -- is there’s not a lot of people, if anyone, that’s ever had a bad thing to say about Martin Graber."

"And so he’s going to be deeply missed from this body. Please think about Coni and his family in the upcoming days," he added, after which the House was led in a prayer in Graber's honor by Republican State Rep. Jon Dunwell.

Likewise, the Iowa Senate also observed a moment of silence for Graber and his death was specifically mentioned by Republican State Sen. Annette Sweeney during the chamber's daily prayer.

A military veteran and financial adviser turned politician

According to his obituary, Graber was born and raised in Iowa and served more than three decades in the Iowa Army National Guard, from which he retired as a decorated brigadier general in charge of an engineer battalion.

In his civilian life, Graber served for years as a financial adviser and, per the Dispatch, first entered politics with a successful election in 2020 after his military service had concluded.

He was laid to rest with a funeral service on Tuesday and, according to the Register, the Iowa House canceled its session and all committee and subcommittee meetings and hearings so lawmakers could attend. Graber is survived by his wife, Coni, their two daughters, Sarah and Rachel, and two grandchildren, Adalynn and Elyza.