Alva W. Steffler

To those that knew him, Alva was filled with wit, wisdom, and grace. He was an easy conversationalist who generously gave of his time, talent, and treasure. Time spent with him often included clever references from scripture and a seemingly endless number of childhood anecdotes and phrases.

Born June 22, 1934 in Philadelphia, PA to William and Harriet (Miller) Steffler, Alva quickly developed a lifelong passion for music, art, and the Christian faith. At the age of five, he prayed that God would make him an artist – a prayer answered in a multitude of ways throughout Alva’s abundant life. Piano lessons at the age of seven were followed by instruction in both trumpet and organ. After moving to Dayton, OH at the age of 15, he played piano for Youth for Christ rallies. In 1952, Alva began studying at The King’s College where he played in the Ohman Brothers Trumpet Trio which was part of the music production of Youth on the March, a Sunday evening coast-to-coast network show. After King’s, Alva studied sacred music at Grace College where he played the organ and piano for summer conferences and graduated in 1957 with a degree in music. Following his father’s footsteps, Alva responded to the ministerial call by pursuing a Masters in Theology at Grace Theological Seminary. While at Grace, Alva began to develop his artistic talents more fully by taking classes at Fort Wayne Art School.

His ordination led to the position of assistant minister at First Brethren Church, Johnstown, PA. During this time, he attended the Pennsylvania Art Academy and sought to blend art and ministry. Alva returned to Grace College in the early 1960s to establish the art department and pursue a Masters in Art Education from Indiana University. After being named Head of Creative Studies at Grace, Alva was offered the position of Art Department Chair at Wheaton College in 1970. In 1980, he earned an MFA in Sculpture from Northern Illinois University. In his 33 years as Professor of Art at Wheaton, Alva impacted the lives of many students both in and out of the classroom.

As an artist, Alva was truly prolific, dabbling in mixed-media creations, graphic design, photography, painting, and sculpting. Underscoring his wide-ranging work was the continual drive to connect art with his Christian faith. This is evidenced by Alva’s involvement with Christians in the Visual Arts (CIVA), an organization that works to enhance and explore the relationship between Christian faith and the visual arts. Alva was instrumental in shaping CIVA’s identity and later served as president.

Alva’s three early passions coalesced most clearly as a member of Immanuel Presbyterian Church (Warrenville, IL). His ministry at Immanuel included creating and displaying art, playing the piano and organ, singing in the choir, and, after retiring from Wheaton College, serving as Interim Minister and then Minister of Congregational Care. His active impulses, evident far into retirement, led him to continuously serve in various ways, often behind the scenes, leaving his fingerprints on many elements of congregational life. His ministry also extended beyond Immanuel as he provided guidance to pastors as chaplain for the Rivers and Lakes Presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

Alva’s interest in the intersection of creativity and faith was also evident in two books he published: Symbols of the Christian Faith (Eerdmans, 2002) and We Sang Together: The Diverse and Cooperative History of Gospel Music (Grace Acres Press, 2022).

Alva was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years and mother of his two daughters, Ruth (Moine) Steffler, his parents, William and Harriet Steffler, and sister, Harriet Ann Gault.

He is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Jane (Cook) Steffler; his children Suzanne (Pat) Kelly, Trish (Larry) Bangert, Paul (Nora) Oliphant, and Faith (Stephen) Murphy; his grandchildren Lauren Kelly, Kevin Kelly, Erin Kelly, Patrick Kelly, Julia Bangert, Jason Bangert, Justus Murphy, Ryken Murphy, Zipporah Murphy; one niece and two nephews.

Visitation will be at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 29W260 Batavia Rd., Warrenville, IL 60555, on Saturday, May 6 at 9:30am with a memorial service to follow at 10:30am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

Immanuel Presbyterian Church

29W260 Batavia Rd.

Warrenville, IL 60555

(Please put “Steffler Memorial” in the memo line.)