A Hudson man known for his passion for life and desire to help others has lost a yearlong battle with a brain tumor.Earl Boitnott, 46, died Sunday, according to a post on social media by his wife of 19 years, Gina Boitnott.
“I suspect right now he is having coffee with his dad. His fight is over. The pain is done. Til we see you again my love,” she said.
Boitnott retired from Bloomington Public Works in October 2019, shortly after he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor called GBM (gioblastoma multiforme). His co-workers staged fundraisers to help pay for the family’s medical bills.
AFSCME representatives promoted a benefit for Boitnott at a Bloomington City Council meeting.
“Earl, Gina and their sons are selfless individuals that are always there when someone is in need,” AFSCME Council 31 representative Renee Nestler told the council in October 2019. “Earl has always been the first to show up and the last to leave when helping others with projects.”
A GoFundMe page onlineraised nearly $4,700 for the ‘Boitnott Strong’ campaign.
When WGLT spoke with the Boitnotts in November, his prognosis wasn’t clear, but doctors indicated the tumor had grown even after aggressive treatment.
Earl Boitnott still kept a positive outlook as he battled the disease that he suspected eventually would take his life.
“It’s just a matter of time when it comes and gets me and I am going to smile the whole way hopefully, and well, have some fun along the way,” he said at the time.
City of Bloomington communications and external affairs manager Nora Dukowitz said the city notified staff of Boitnott’s death on Monday morning.
“We were all very saddened to hear of his passing,” Dukowitz said.
Gina Boitnott said funeral services will be held after Christmas "so that our littlest hearts aren’t hurting when they should be giggling and joyful."
Funeral arrangements are pending at Beck Memorial Home in Bloomington.
There's no subscription fee to listen or read our stories. Everyone can access this essential public service thanks to community support. Donate now, and help fund your public media.
