Walter Alexander Elwell

Walter Alexander Elwell, 87, of Princeton, formerly of Wheaton, passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at Hiawatha Care Center in Hiawatha, IA.

Walter was born on April 29, 1937 in Miami, FL, the son of Walter E. and Alma (Kremp) Elwell. He married Barbara Dismeier on May 20, 1988 in Wheaton, IL. She preceded him in death on November 24, 2021.

Walter received his PhD in Theology from the University of Edinburgh. He remains an emeritus professor of biblical and theological studies at Wheaton College, where he taught for 28 years and served as dean of the graduate school. Walter is also a published author and editor of several works, including the Baker Theological Dictionary of the Bible and the Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. He was a member of the Society of Biblical Literature, Institute for Biblical Research, Evangelical Theological Society, and the Chicago Society of Biblical Research. Walter was also a longtime member of the Evangelical Covenant Church in Princeton. He enjoyed many interests, including stamp collecting, gardening, reading, and choral singing; however, his greatest joys were spending time with family and with the Lord.

Survivors include his six children/stepchildren, Tim (Carol Ann) Elwell, Andrew (Susan) Elwell, Diane (Tad) Smith, Scott (Geraldine) Dismeier, Laurel (Paul) Langholz and Lisa (Mark) Wolter; 13 grandchildren, Justin Smith, Ethan (Lauren) Smith, Aubrey (Zach) Hicks, Audrey Elwell, Walter Alexander Elwell II, Katherine Elwell, Dana (Eric) Klen, Erin (Josh) Ochnikowski, Rachel Langholz, Sarah (Kyle) Dobbins, Nathan (Kennedy) Langholz, Jason Wolter, and Brendan Wolter; 8 great- grandchildren, and one sister, Patricia (Richard Mason) Elwell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and brother, James Elwell.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at the Princeton Evangelical Covenant Church with Pastor Derek Boggs officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Oakland Cemetery in Princeton, IL.

Memorials may be directed to Voice of the Martyrs, Wycliffe Bible Translators, or Evangelical Covenant Church in Princeton, IL.

Online condolences may be made at www.grant-johnsonfh.com.