She was just 24 — full of promise, creativity, and love. On Monday, December 9, 2024, Tegan Hallie Zoephel passed away unexpectedly in Georgia, leaving behind a stunned community of family, friends, and colleagues. Her passing has stirred grief among those who knew her brilliance, kindness, and the warmth she brought to everything she touched.
Tegan was born on June 14, 2000, in Aurora, Illinois, to parents Jeffrey Zoephel and Kimberly (Jesch) Zoephel. From childhood, she gravitated toward creative expression: drawing, painting, playing piano, acting in school theater — whether on stage or behind the scenes. Her love for storytelling and visual art followed her to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), from which she graduated in 2021.
After college, Tegan turned her passion into her profession. She pursued television production and earned membership in the Producers Guild of America. Most recently, she worked as an associate and field producer on the reality-TV series 7 Little Johnstons, where friends and coworkers remember her for her work ethic, eye for detail, and cheerful energy. Though early in her career, she had already made a mark with her talent and dedication.
Beyond her art and work, family was her anchor. She found her greatest joy traveling with loved ones, sharing laughter over board games, or simply being together. Her parents, sisters Brenna Zoephel and Kaelin Zoephel, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins — and even her loyal dog, Scout — formed her world. The memories they created together were precious chapters of her short but vivid life.
The official obituary from the Dunn Family Funeral Home with Crematory notes that visitation will be held Saturday, December 14, beginning at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 12:00 p.m. at 1801 South Douglas Road, Oswego, Illinois. Burial will follow at Oswego Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor Tegan to direct memorial donations to suicide-prevention efforts via 988 Lifeline.
For many, Tegan was more than a talented artist or a budding producer — she was a bright light. On her memorial page, friends gush about her warmth and generosity. One childhood friend recalled how Tegan helped her keep up with assignments after she fractured her wrist. Another described her as “such a bright, outgoing, wonderful and happy go-lucky girl.” It’s these stories — of simple kindness and vibrant spirit — that capture the heart of who she was.
Her story is a reminder of how much one person can touch a world, even in a short time. Tegan Hallie Zoephel believed in creativity, family, laughter, and kindness — and she lived those values every day. Her absence will be deeply felt, but her legacy — in art, stories, love, and memory — lives on.
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