Kirt Cozzens was a remarkable man who left a lasting impression on so many people in this world. He loved his family and his friends. He loved his customers. He truly loved so many people, and so many loved him.

On November 18th, Janet took Kirt to the ER. He was displaying signs of stroke. It was determined that Kirt was suffering from low sodium. Kirt was released from the hospital 3 days later.

While at home, Kirt did not improve. He was taken back to the ER on November 27th. It was determined that Kirt was severely dehydrated and his kidneys were failing. Kirt was rushed to Billings Clinic via ambulance.

Kirt spent 11 days in the Billings Clinic Hospital. The doctors were able to heal Kirt’s kidneys and he was finally released. He was released with slight edema in his lower extremities.

Kirt was home for 20 days, attending follow up appointments and being treated. Janet was unable to work, as she was Kirt’s primary care taker. Kirt was unable to be left by himself, due to weakness and fatigue. She stayed by his side every day, from the beginning.

On December 27th, Janet woke to Kirt not being able to breathe. She rushed him to the ER in Billings. It was found that Kirt’s kidneys had failed again and his lungs were filled with fluid. The doctors drained the fluid from his lungs and admitted him to the hospital.

It was determined that they needed to put stents in Kirt’s ureters. He was taken to the OR on the 28th and the doctors attempted to place stents. They were only able to place a stent in the left ureter. And none in the right.

On December 30th, it was determined that the stent had failed and Kirt’s kidneys were no longer working. He now was faced with dialysis.

Kirt’s health continued to fail. On December 31st it was decided that Kirt was probably not healthy enough to survive the procedures to place him on dialysis.

On January 1st, Kirt made the decision to be put on comfort care and end his journey on earth. He was quite ill by this time, and was in severe pain. Janet stayed by his side, along with his children until he passed at 7:30 p.m. on January 1, 2022, New Year’s Day.

Kirt’s final days were spent in and out of hospitals. Due to the need of Janet’s side by side support through this journey, she has been out of work this entire time. With such a financial burden weighing on her as she grieves, I wanted to reach out and ask for help. Any amount would provide assistance. Kirt was in the hospital for many days. This has been an incredible strain, both mentally and physically, on Janet. She doesn’t like to ask for help, so I am doing it for her.

We will forever be indebted to all who provide assistance. We would like to thank anyone and everyone who reaches out a helping hand. It is so incredibly appreciated.

We will miss Kirt with a passion, as will many. He was one of the good ones.