Jeremiah James Wille, D.Sc. died peacefully on December, 24, 2024, in Columbia, Maryland. 

  Jeremiah was born and raised in Streator, Illinois, where his curiosity and intelligence were evident from an early age. His passion for reading blossomed as he grew, along with a love for learning and answering trivia questions. Jeremiah had a deep appreciation for nature, often spending time with his father working in the yard or exploring local hiking trails. He cherished family road trips, especially visits to the Brookfield Zoo and Six Flags Great America in Chicago. Jeremiah's adventurous spirit fueled his desire to explore and experience all that the world had to offer.

  Jeremiah was born into the Catholic faith and attended St. Stephen’s School of St. Stephen's Roman Catholic Church through the 8th grade. He took pride in the school's history as the first Slovak Catholic parish school in the United States, established in 1888. As a devoted Altar Server, Jeremiah would often practice at home, playing out Mass and serving “Communion” to his toys with heartfelt enthusiasm. His dedication to his faith continued into adulthood, becoming a Fourth Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus in the Archdiocese of Washington. He also co-led the Young Adults Bible Study and Social Group at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Rockville, Maryland. Jeremiah remained a devout Catholic throughout his life, setting an example of faith and leadership for those around him.

  As a student, Jeremiah's intelligence and meticulous nature shone brightly. In high school, he excelled academically and was an active member of the Key Club and the academic team. His passion for learning, especially in math and science, earned him top honors at Streator High School and laid the groundwork for his future endeavors.

  In 1997, Jeremiah was accepted to Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering, a newly established field. He continued his education at the same institution, joining the graduate program in 2003 under the mentorship of Dr. Frank Yin. For eight years, Jeremiah served as a Research Assistant and later as a Graduate Research Assistant. He often shared fond memories of his time in the lab, from “feeding cells” at odd hours to the fascinating work of growing heart tissue. His passion and dedication culminated in five scientific publications over nine years. In 2006, he achieved a Doctorate of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering.

  Driven by a desire to improve lives and advance public health, Jeremiah began his career at the FDA shortly after graduation. As part of the inaugural Commissioner’s Fellowship Program, he specialized in Regenerative Medicine and quickly became a Lead Medical Device Reviewer in the Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Office of Device Evaluation, Division of Cardiovascular Devices. His work reflected his unwavering commitment to creating a safer, healthier future for all.

  As Jeremiah built his career, he also embraced a life filled with adventure and exploration. His love for the great outdoors and curiosity about the world fueled his pursuits. He joined the Capital Hiking Club, exploring trails throughout the DMV area (D.C., Maryland, and Virginia).

  In 2013, inspired by his adventurous spirit, Jeremiah trained for and successfully hiked Mt. Kilimanjaro with a small group of friends. Later that year Jeremiah faced a life-altering challenge when he was diagnosed with a very rare brain tumor. He underwent surgery to have it removed, demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination. Jeremiah’s journey was so inspiring that he was featured on the cover of the hospital’s monthly magazine, a fact he humorously referred to as his “magazine cover model” moment. Known for his quick wit, Jeremiah never missed an opportunity to bring humor and lightness to any situation. 

  In 2014, he embarked on another thrilling journey—a two-week rafting and camping expedition through the Grand Canyon, navigating the white waters of the Colorado River. Beyond his outdoor adventures, Jeremiah also found joy in bowling, appreciating the camaraderie and fun it brought to his life.

  After years of hiking, exploring, and building a deep bond, Jeremiah and Lisa were married on November 11, 2016. Together, they built a loving family, welcoming Isabella Grace on June 14, 2019, and Emma Hope on March 19, 2022. Fatherhood became Jeremiah’s greatest passion and most rewarding adventure. He cherished reading bedtime stories to his daughters, often adding playful sound effects that filled their evenings with laughter. Isabella and Emma adored their father, especially when he mimicked an elephant's trumpeting or playfully beat his chest like a gorilla. 

  Jeremiah found joy in family outings to the Baltimore Zoo and Aquarium, where he marveled at life’s small wonders and shared his appreciation for the natural world with his daughters. He also loved introducing them to concepts in math and science, sparking their curiosity and encouraging a love of learning. The family relied on him for sound advice and guidance, often lovingly and playfully referring to him as “Dr. Google.” For Jeremiah, family was the heart of his world, and he dedicated himself to creating lasting memories and a foundation of love and joy for his children.

  Jeremiah is predeceased by his grandparents, John and Mary Esther (Kasko) Stockdell and Howard and Bernadette (Studer) Wille. He is survived by his parents, James Allen and Suzanne (Stockdell) Wille, sister Amanda (Wille) and Rob Richards, nieces Adeline Richards and Waverly Richards, his wife, Elizabeth (“Lisa”) Fife Wille and daughters Isabella (“Bella”) Grace Wille and Emma Hope Wille, aunts, uncles, and many cousins who all love and miss him very much. 

  Services and interment private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Brain Tumor Society (details below), in honor of the life, resilience, and academic pursuits of Dr. Jeremiah Wille.

  Jeremiah’s legacy of passion for learning and exploration lives on in his children, family, and all those whom he inspired with his bright and tenacious spirit.

  Condolences may be left for the family at www.solontelford.com