Oliver "Ollie" Henry Kushmer

Oliver "Ollie" Henry Kushmer, four days old, of Geneseo, passed away from 4 critical congenital heart defects in the arms of his parents at his home on Thursday, July 15, 2021.  Though the families’ hearts are broken, now Oliver’s heart is whole.  A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 19, 2021, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel with a visitation the hour prior.  Reverend Terry Lancaster will officiate.  Memorials may be directed to Unity Point – Moline Campus, NICU unit.

On Sunday, July 11, 2021, at 11:24 a.m., Oliver took his first breath.  On Thursday, July 15, 2021, at 11:24 a.m., Oliver took his last.  At 27 weeks gestation Ollie was given 30 minutes to live after birth. Much to the amazement of his loved ones and doctors, his strength gave him four days. Though his time was short, his four beautiful, love filled days left lasting memories for anyone who came in contact with him or his story.  He spent his four days surrounded by people showering him with love, brothers fighting over their turn to hold him, grandmas kissing his precious cheeks, and showing all of us that sometimes the strongest people come in the smallest of packages.

Those left to cherish his memory include his mother, Jenna Kushmer, Geneseo, IL; father, Brandon Cook, Moline, IL; brothers, Elijah, Lyle, and Mason Kushmer and Brantlee and Kohen Cook; maternal grandparents, Todd (Tina) Schmitt, Milan, IL, and Laura (James) Ruggles, Geneseo, IL; and paternal grandparents, Fred (Dawn) Cook, Moline, IL; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his great grandmother “GG”, Juanita (Henry) Jahns, in 2019. 

The family would like to extend a very heartfelt thank you to Unity Point Labor & Delivery Staff, Mother/Baby Staff and the NICU Unit, Unity Point Hospice, Tina Cathelyn, CNM, and Dr. Sarah Lentz.