Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory

1900 S Philo Rd

Urbana, Illinois

Otis Lynn "Giant" SEAL Obituary

SEAL, Otis Lynn "Giant" Sep 21, 1948 - Nov 18, 2025 Otis Lynn Seal, aged 77, passed away on November 18, 2025, in Spokane, WA, while with family. Otis was the epitome of hard work and strength. He was generous, warmhearted, a provider, and "dad joke" funny. Otis was born on September 21, 1948, in Eugene, OR, to Roy Otis and Merna Marie (Boulby) Seal. Although Otis lost his brother, Robert Edward Seal, when he was six and both parents by the time he was 19, the Seal family history was very important to him. At 21, Otis met Vivien at a party and asked her to go on a date to get dinner in Florence, OR. Otis described their first date in a letter to Vivien, from 2009. "At that time I always ordered a double order of everything. When the meal came, I was so busy mixing the gravy and potatoes that when I looked up there you were with hashbrowns hanging from your glasses, face, and all over the table. After that ordeal why would you ever want to go out with me again?" Otis and Vivien Laura Gedney married on January 16, 1971, and were married for 50 years before Vivien passed on April 8, 2021. In 1974, after his first daughter, Angie, was born, they moved to Bonner, MT. Montana was his happy place. He enjoyed photography and was published in Montana Magazine in the '80s. Otis spent years enjoying building and flying RC airplanes for himself and Benjamin. He later spent time developing his gold panning skills and researching Montana's gold panning history with an overweight golden retriever in tow. Otis was known to many as Giant. He was 7' tall and enjoyed being a gentle giant. From taking out the ceiling fan in a friend's home to placing an unruly fair goer who wanted to fight "the big guy" into a dumpster with one hand. Until the end, he was joking with the nurses about not fitting in the bed. Otis was born into the logging industry and started with U.S. Plywood (Champion/Stimson Lumber) in 1974 as a millwright and advanced to maintenance superintendent throughout his career. When a heart attack forced an early retirement, he dove into his woodworking. He enjoyed making everything from jewelry boxes and knick-knacks to wooden candle holders with hidden golden dollars for the kids to find. He sold his Montana Made craft at the local Missoula markets. Otis was always busy with a project and spent the last years running parts for his son-in-law, Toby Miller, at G.E.M. Electric. Always, taking the time to bring snacks for those at the parts houses and stay for a chat. Otis was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses on July 8, 2018, joining Vivien in her faith. Otis is survived by his children, Angie Seal, Candase & Toby Miller, and by his Benjamin Seal. He loved his family and all his grandchildren. Moss Jarvis, Chloe Jarvis, Jake Miller, Jared (Kyleigh) Miller, Hailey (Micahael) Llamos, and Broden Seal-Miller. Otis had two great-grandchildren, Ash and James Miller. Otis took pride in his family and talked about them to all during his time at the assisted living facility. Time to rest now, Papa, we love you. To share memories of Otis or to leave condolences for his family, please visit his online obituary at www.hennesseyfh.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Spokesman-Review on Nov. 30, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Otis Lynn "Giant" SEAL

Not sure what to say?





1 Entry

Pam Smith.

November 15, 2025

Mary I´m so sorry about your loss. Ted was a pleasure to know. My condolences -Mrs. Robert Smith.

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

Make a Donation
in Otis Lynn "Giant" SEAL's name

Memorial Events
for Otis Lynn "Giant" SEAL

Nov

17

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

St Matthews Lutheran Church (2200 Philo Road, Urbana, IL, 61802)

2200 Philo Road, Urbana, IL 61802

Nov

17

Funeral service

11:00 a.m.

St Matthews Lutheran Church (2200 Philo Road, Urbana, IL, 61802)

2200 Philo Road, Urbana, IL 61802

Nov

17

Burial

Royal, IL

Funeral services provided by:

Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory

1900 S Philo Rd, Urbana, IL 61802

How to support Otis Lynn "Giant"'s loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Otis Lynn "Giant" SEAL's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more