Stephen J. Seyl Sr., 78, of Bainbridge Island passed away on July 4, 2015.

Stephen was born in Highland Park, Illinois on March 16, 1937 to Lincoln and Florence Seyl.

He graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering. Stephen later earned a master of science degree from the Navy Post Graduate School, and was certified for proficiency in Portuguese by the Defense Language Institute.

He was predeceased by his wife Ola Glynn Orman.

On Jan. 20, 1968, he married to his wife Gayle Jung of West Seattle.

Stephen served in the Navy both abroad and at home, with part of his 21 year of service as a member of the NATO staff in Portugal.

He then went on to be self-employed until 2013. Teaching (especially skiing and math to all ages), travel and lively discussions with friends were Stephen’s favorite activities.

He is survived by his wife Gayle; children Marjorie (Richard), Stephen Jr., Ann Bustamante and Timothy (Denise); his grandchildren Jacob and Jesse Bustamante and Jessica Seyl; and his brother, Daniel (Karen).

A celebration of his life was held Aug. 15 at the Masonic Temple on Bainbridge Island.

Inurnment is planned for 1 p.m. Aug. 17 at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Allendale Association (a school for at-risk kids) at PO Box 1088, Lake Villa, Illinois 60046.