Gerald D. “Jerry” Seinwill, P.E., died peacefully February 8, 2025 at 86 after a life well-lived. He is fondly remembered for his humor, his talent for entertaining, his home improvement skills and myriad projects, and for a life-long passion for sailing.

Born in Rockford, Illinois to William and Solveig (née Delebak) Seinwill, Jerry graduated from Rockford West High School and then in 1960 from the University of Wisconsin as a Civil Engineer. While at UW, Jerry met his future bride Sally Wagner, while attending the required summer Surveying Camp in the north woods of Wisconsin. Fulfilling his Army ROTC commitment after graduation saw Jerry moving to Germany with the Army Corps of Engineers, where he was joined by his new wife in 1962.

Jerry’s civilian public service commenced in earnest after leaving Germany and the Army in 1964. He started with the US Bureau of Reclamation in Colorado, where he and Sally welcomed their son Jeff. Following a Master of Science in Water Resources Management from UW, he worked for the State of Illinois as a water resources civil engineer and then for the State of Minnesota as Director of Waters. While in Illinois, the family grew once more with the addition of daughter Anne.

He returned to federal service with a move to the Washington, DC area in 1978 to serve as Deputy Director, then Director, of the US Water Resources Council where he became a Senior Executive. He wrapped up his federal career and full-time working life in various roles with the Soil Conservation Service, US Department of Agriculture, ultimately retiring as the Director of Engineering in 1994.

In retirement, Jerry more deeply immersed himself in his love of home improvement projects, wrapping up a complete renovation of their 1898 turreted townhouse on Capitol Hill. In 2002, Jerry and Sally left the townhouse for a home on the Chesapeake Bay to more fully immerse themselves in another of his loves, sailing. Over the course of his life, Jerry owned four sailboats and finally a cruising trawler. Sally passed away in 2009, after which Jerry continued enjoying family and friends.

He found his “senior sweetheart” in long-time friend Carol Waite with whom he remained until his death. Together, they moved back to the DC area in Arlington to be nearer mutual friends. In addition to supporting Carol’s artistic endeavors, Jerry, ever the civil engineer, monitored nearby high-rise construction from their apartment balcony. They made one final move together to Richmond, closer to many of their children.

Jerry is survived by Carol, his children Jeff Seinwill and Anne Larsen, their respective spouses Trish and Erik, and granddaughters Natalie, Caroline, and Tess.

A memorial service will be held 11:30, March 1, 2025 at Westminster Canterbury Richmond, and an Arlington National Cemetery ceremony will be scheduled later.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donating to The Chesapeake Bay Foundation, The Calvert Marine Museum, or to a charity of your choice that you think would suit Jerry.

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