Date of Birth
Jul 05,2000
Date of Death
Jul 22,2004
Matthew Christopher Branstad, Age four, of Geneva, IL passed away peacefully in his parent’s arms, early Thursday evening, July 22, 2004. In a moment, his sweet loving spirit was received into the arms of his heavenly father and Matthew Christopher Branstad was suddenly free to do all the things he could not do in this world. He came into this world on July 5, 2000, in Chicago, IL, the first-born son of John and Kim (Neu) Branstad. Five days later, as his mother held him in her arms, Matthew suddenly stopped breathing. Although his parents’ quick reaction restored Matthew’s breathing, they could not restore the things Matthew lost in those few minutes. Still, Matthew spoke with his eyes, his laughter and his love. Medical science could never explain what happened, but no one who met Matthew will ever forget him. Weeks passed into months and, contrary to medical predictions, Matthew lived. This boy, was a real fighter! He lived to hear his father read to him; to watch TV, go to the movies, play "rough house" and to laugh with "Tickle-Me-Elmo". Matthew’s giggles filled the room with fun and every heart with love. In 2003, Matthew even started instructional pre-school at the Harrison Street School in Geneva. He loved going to school playing with the friends he made there. But 2003 was a tough year too. Matthew was hospitalized seven times and as summer approached, this little warrior was tired. As his fourth birthday drew near, his loving doctor and a special hospice, helped his devoted parents prepare for another "birthday"; a birthday that would begin his life in Heaven. Together, family and friends prayed for strength to let go and to claim the promise of Matthew’s Savior. With faith they will celebrate his life and with love they will remember his laughter and his time among us. In addition to his parents, Matthew leaves his twin siblings, Joshua and Emily;Maternal grandparents, Tom (Nita) Neu andMaternal great grandmothers, Ruth Neu, both of Aurora andGertrude Hanson of Maple Park, IL; Paternal grandparents, Rollin (Harriet) Branstad of Decatur, IL.Several aunts, uncles and cousins:Karen (John) Pirc of Oswego, IL and their daughter, Kate;Chris (Brad) Black of Elburn, and their daughter, Lauren;Susan Branstad of Crystal, MN;Mark (Mary) Branstad of Rochester, MN and their children, Daniel, Laura, Anna; As well as family of friends and classmates.Memorials in his name may be made to The Association for Individual Developement Respite Care Program and mailed to PO Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119
Friends may call at visitation hours Sunday, from 3-5pm at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL. Funeral Services will be held Monday, July 26, 2004 at 10am, at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church, corner of Rt. 38 and LaFox Roads. The Rev. Dr. Barry Kolb will officiate.
Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Aurora, IL.