Tegan Zoephel Obituary, Oswego, IL, Suicide, Associate Producer and Field Producer for 7 Little Johnstons

 The Oswego neighborhood and many individuals in the television and arts community are grieving the passing of Tegan Hallie Zoephel, who was 24 years old and died unexpectedly on Monday, December 9, 2024, in Georgia. Tegan, who was born on June 14, 2000, in Aurora, Illinois, was the cherished daughter of Jeffrey and Kimberly (Jesch) Zoephel. She was a young woman whose enthusiasm, skills, and kindness left a lasting impact on all who crossed her path.

From a tender age, Tegan engaged in various artistic activities. She enjoyed drawing, painting, playing the piano, and capitalized on every chance to partake in theater, whether in front of the audience or assisting with productions behind the curtain. Her passion for storytelling and visual art eventually led her to the Savannah College of Art and Design, where she graduated in 2021. Her career trajectory directed her toward television production, and her commitment to her craft earned her a place in the Producers Guild of America. Most recently, she worked as an associate producer and field producer for the series “7 Little Johnstons,” where coworkers recall her caring nature, diligent work ethic, and vibrant energy.

For Tegan, family occupied a central role in her life. She cherished the moments spent traveling with them, enjoyed laughter over board games, and valued simply being together. Both significant and minor experiences were precious memories she treasured dearly.

Tegan leaves behind her parents, Jeff and Kim Zoephel; her sisters, Brenna and Kaelin; maternal grandparents Bruce and Doris Jesch; paternal grandmother Edna Zoephel; uncles Rick (Connie) Jesch and Matt (Pam) Jesch; aunt Janine (Jared) Lickliter; cousins Keith (Beth) Jesch, Kristen (Nathan) Rozzi, Kiara Jesch, Nicole, Lauren, and Danielle Jesch, and Liddie Lickliter; a multitude of friends; and her devoted canine companion, Scout. She was preceded in death by her grandfather Jerry Zoephel and her great-grandparents.

A visitation will take place on Saturday, December 14, starting at 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service commences at 12:00 p.m. at Dunn Family Funeral Home with Crematory, located at 1801 S. Douglas Road, Oswego. Burial will take place afterward at Oswego Township Cemetery.

In Tegan’s memory, memorial donations can be made in support of suicide-prevention initiatives at 988lifeline.org/donate.

The Standing O Theatre Company, where Tegan performed previously, expressed heartfelt condolences, remembering her as a “beautiful soul and dynamic talent” and encouraging friends to celebrate her legacy and share cherished stories of their experiences together. Tegan’s life, although tragically brief, was filled with creativity, compassion, and love. Her absence will be profoundly felt, and she will be eternally remembered.