The community of Oswego, Illinois, and the television production world are remembering 24-year-old Tegan Hallie Zoephel, who passed away unexpectedly on December 9, 2024, in Georgia.
Born June 14, 2000, in Aurora, Tegan was the beloved daughter of Jeffrey and Kimberly (Jesch) Zoephel and grew up in Oswego, where she discovered her lifelong love of the arts. She graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2021 with a B.F.A. in Production Design and quickly established herself in television as an associate producer and field producer for TLC’s “7 Little Johnstons,” proudly earning membership in the Producers Guild of America.
Known for her boundless creativity, Tegan drew, painted, played piano, and poured her heart into theater from an early age, talents she carried into professional set design and storytelling. Colleagues at Figure 8 Films remember her thoughtfulness, tireless work ethic, and the bright energy she brought to every set.
Family was Tegan’s foundation. She shared an especially close bond with her parents and younger sisters, Brenna and Kaelin, as well as her dog Scout, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Her laughter and adventurous spirit filled family trips, game nights, and quiet moments at home will be deeply missed.
The cause of Tegan’s passing has not been made public. She is survived by her parents Jeffrey and Kimberly Zoephel; sisters Brenna and Kaelin; maternal grandparents Bruce and Doris Jesch; paternal grandmother Edna Zoephel; uncles Rick and Matt Jesch; aunt Janine Lickliter; and many cousins.
Visitation and funeral service were held Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 10 a.m. to noon at Dunn Family Funeral Home with Crematory, 1801 Douglas Road, Oswego, Illinois, followed by burial at Oswego Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.