Wheaton College student remembered as 'good friend who sacrificed for others'

WHEATON — Wheaton College freshman Graham Elliot Stevens will be remembered for being a good friend and listening ear to those who knew him.

Stevens, 19, died March 26 after collapsing and suffering a cardiac arrest during a game of Capture the Flag with the Men's Glee Club on March 22, according to Wheaton College officials. He was taken to Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield and remained unconscious in the intensive care unit.

“As Graham’s family and close friends gathered by his side to say goodbye, I was encouraged to hear many wonderful stories about him,” said Wheaton College Chaplain Stephen Kellough. “Graham will be remembered as a young man who was full of life and vitality as a Christian believer and as a good friend who sacrificed for others."

The Stevens family decided to withdraw life support after medical professionals determined there was nothing more they could do, according to a post on the Wheaton College website. The family decided to carry on Stevens' generous legacy by making his organs available for donation, the post reads.

A graduate of Glenbard South High School in Glen Ellyn, Stevens was an undeclared major but had an interest in biology. The Wheaton native lived in the Smith-Traber residence hall.

He is survived by his parents Jeffrey and Brenda Stevens, two sisters, three brothers and many friends, including his fellow singers in the Men’s Glee Club and floormates.

Stevens' musical talents extended beyond Wheaton College as well. He played piano as part of the worship team at Blanchard Alliance Church's Warrenville campus.

Brad Jones, the minister of music at Blanchard Alliance, taught Stevens piano for many years, describing him as a gentle soul who loved the outdoors and cared for his younger siblings, reads the Wheaton College post.

Jones said Stevens often served as a listening ear to his friends.

“He had a lot of wisdom and a special capacity to be with people who were troubled," Jones said. "His friends often thought of him as a counselor — and a counselor who always directed them to Jesus.”

A memorial service for Stevens was held Easter Sunday at Blanchard Alliance Church, 1766 S. Blanchard St. in Wheaton.