It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Stephen St. John Wills, our beloved son, brother, and uncle. He died on January 27, 2026, at his home in Boulder, Colorado, of a sudden heart attack. He was 57 years old.

Stephen was born on March 28, 1968, in Gothenburg, Sweden, to Birgit Margareta Wills and Walter Richard Wills. Though he grew up in the United States, he always remained proud of his Swedish heritage and birthplace. He loved returning to Sweden for visits throughout his life.

Stephen spent most of his childhood years in the Morristown area of New Jersey. He attended Whippany Park High School in Hanover Township, and after graduating in 1986, he went on to study Law and Justice at Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey), where he received his bachelor’s degree. Every summer he went with his family to Long Beach Island for vacation, a tradition he loved and kept up for many years.

Stephen had many interests and hobbies. He was an athlete who played pitcher in baseball games, a quarterback in football, and loved to go skiing. He also loved music and played the drums as a young boy, but skiing was his greatest passion. He often went with his family to the Swedish Ski Club in Vermont, but after visiting a friend in Colorado, the snow-capped mountains there beckoned him. In 1994, he moved to Boulder.

Stephen was an adventurous spirit who loved the outdoors and exploring the world. Colorado suited him perfectly, giving him endless opportunities for hiking, skiing the back bowls at Vail, and mountain biking in places like Moab and Telluride. He also traveled widely, visiting places as far away as Fiji, and he especially enjoyed planning memorable trips and experiences for his family.

After graduating from Trenton State College and working in the legal field, he applied to the University of Denver College of Law in 1996. He graduated from that school with a Juris Doctor degree in 1999 and worked as a lawyer for many years, having his own law firm. He was also elected to the Board of Directors for the Boulder County Bar Association, which he enjoyed. One of the things that made him especially proud was a pro bono program in which he participated and later helped lead. Stephen had a big heart and was always willing to help anyone in need.

Most of all, Stephen loved his family, and we have so many wonderful memories with him. The memories we shared are timeless treasures that we carry within us. “He may be gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.” We will always miss him.

Stephen is survived by his loving mother, Birgit Margareta Wills, his dear sisters and brother, Ingrid Elisabeth (Tom) Flannery, Karen Jo Margareta (Scott) Van Manen, Eric Walter (Ashley) Wills, and his dear nieces and nephews, Christopher Flannery (Naysha Meneses), Karin Flannery (Ana Francesa), Linnea Van Manen, Elise Van Manen, and Jackson Wills.

A memorial service to honor Stephen and celebrate his life will take place on Saturday, March 28, at 2 pm, preceded by a private burial, at West Raleigh Presbyterian Church, 27 Horne Street, Raleigh, NC. A reception at the church will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations to his memory may be made in his name to Memorial Sloan Kettering Center for cancer research or to a favorite charity.

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