Cornelius W Boot

Cornelius "Neil" William Boot, aged 85, passed away peacefully on October 11th, 2023, at Munster Community Hospital. Born on June 2nd, 1938, in the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago, IL, to Cornelius Boot and Cecelia Round, Neil was a cherished father, husband, and grandfather, celebrated for his vibrant spirit, unwavering dedication to family, and an always-refreshing sense of humor. Neil's commitment to service was evident from an early age. He proudly served his country in the Army for three years before dedicating 15 years to the Chicago PD, where he rose to the rank of sergeant. Following his tenure with the police department, Neil championed safety initiatives with the National Safety Council for 25 years. After his official retirement, Neil's expertise remained in demand. He continued safety consulting, often collaborating with local steel mill facilities, ensuring the welfare of countless employees. An advocate for education, Neil achieved an Associate of Arts in the Science of Law Enforcement and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Calumet College. He further pursued a Master of Public Affairs from Indiana University, inspiring many with his dedication to lifelong learning. Neil's passion for life extended beyond his professional accomplishments. He was undeniably the life of any gathering, captivating all with his stories and jokes. An avid golfer and Corvette enthusiast, Neil took utmost joy in moments spent with neighbors, friends, and, most importantly, family. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Irmgard Boot, their son, Alexander Neil Boot, and cherished grandson, Theodore Cornelius Boot. Neil is preceded in death by his parents, Cornelius and Cecelia, and his siblings, Monica (Roberts), Barbara (Cooper), Dolores Boot, Virginia (Oosterbann), Rita (Evans), and James Boot. Family and friends are invited to honor Neil's life on November 12th, 2023, at Hack-Jensen Funeral Home, located at 753 Hodges St, Beecher, IL 60401. Visitation will be held from 2PM to 4PM, followed by a service at 4PM. A luncheon will subsequently celebrate Neil's extraordinary journey. In lieu of flowers, the family graciously requests donations to a charity of one's choice.