David E. Seal

David Edwin Seal, 90, of Rockford, passed away on December 21, 2025, in his home in Beloit, WI, with family surrounding him. David was born on July 24, 1935, in Rockford, the son of Finch and Isabelle (Brewster) Seal. He graduated from West High School in 1953 and attended Colorado A&M for 2 years. David and Louida Mae Roberts were married from April 28, 1957, until her passing in April 2004. David spent much of his youth at the Burpee Museum, leading to his love of taxidermy, nature and his lifelong passion for birding. He was actively involved with the Sand Bluff Bird Observatory and the Boy Scouts until his passing. He was a founding member of the Flow Blue International Collector's Club and worked for Roper Whitney for many years. Survivors include his children Scott (Marilyn) Seal, Denise Seal, Mark (Nancy) Seal, and Debra (Richard Horn) Seal; grandchildren Dylan Horn, Jene' Seal, and Mathew Kienitz; his partner Ellen Plunkett; and wife's cousin Audrey Williams. He is predeceased by his parents; wife Louida; and sister Sara Corbett. Memorial visitation on May 16, 2026 from 2:00 pm to 2:45 pm followed by a celebration of life at 3 pm at Grace Funeral & Cremation Services, 4301 N. Main St. Rockford. Celebrant Jennifer Thompson will officiate. In lieu of flowers the family would like to donations to go Sand Bluff Bird Observatory, PO Box 2, Seward, IL 61077. Live stream of the service can be viewed here: https://my.gather.app/remember/david-e-seal Share a memory or condolence at www.graceFH.com. On Winter's Solstice Day 2025 we lost a Legend in the world of Bird Banding; Dave Seal was a hawk bander extraordinaire and a friend for over 50 years. As a fellow Eagle Scout, I first came to know Dave as an active scout leader back in the 70's in the old Winnebago District, but I really came to know him as an active volunteer at Sand Bluff Bird Observatory when I first came out to observe in the fall of 2004 when he took me around the nets. Watching Dave take out a beautiful Eastern Meadowlark, while he talked me through the process, and I was totally hooked. Dave trapped and banded raptors at Cedar Grove Ornithological Research Station even before SBBO was created (1967), and he let Lee Johnson use his bands as our station first got started. During the winters Dave went to Texas where he help band hawks there until spring when he returned to help at SBBO during both spring and fall migrations. I have attached a few images that I have taken of Dave at SBBO, sleep well my friend, you are already being missed. - John C. Longhenry

David E. Seal

July 24, 1935 - December 21, 2025