Oswego, IL – The close-knit community of Oswego, Illinois, along with friends, family, and colleagues in the television industry, is grieving the sudden loss of Tegan Hallie Zoephel, a talented 24-year-old producer whose vibrant life was cut short on December 9, 2024, in Georgia. Zoephel, remembered for her creativity, dedication, and infectious warmth, leaves behind a legacy of artistic passion and strong familial bonds that touched many lives.
Born on June 14, 2000, in Aurora, Illinois, to parents Jeffrey and Kimberly (Jesch) Zoephel, Tegan showed an early affinity for the arts. From childhood, she pursued drawing, painting, piano, and theater, often taking on roles both on stage and behind the scenes. This foundation led her to the prestigious Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where she graduated in 2021, honing her skills in storytelling and visual arts.
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Zoephel’s professional journey quickly took her into television production, where her talent shone brightly. She became a member of the Producers Guild of America and most recently served as an associate producer and field producer for the popular TLC reality series “7 Little Johnstons,” which follows the lives of a family with achondroplasia. Colleagues have shared tributes highlighting her thoughtfulness, strong work ethic, and positive energy, noting how she brought a unique spark to every project she touched.
Beyond her career, Tegan’s life revolved around her family, whom she cherished deeply. She relished family travels, lively board game nights, and quiet moments of togetherness. Her sisters, Brenna and Kaelin, along with her extended family—including grandparents Bruce and Doris Jesch, and Edna Zoephel; uncles Rick and Matt Jesch; aunt Janine Lickliter; and numerous cousins—remember her as a source of joy and support. Tegan was also a devoted pet parent to her dog, Scout, who was a constant companion.
She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Jerry Zoephel, and her great-grandparents.
Visitation for Tegan is scheduled for Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. at Dunn Family Funeral Home with Crematory, located at 1801 S. Douglas Road in Oswego. Burial will follow at Oswego Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions to suicide prevention efforts through 988lifeline.org/donate, reflecting Tegan’s impact and the desire to support others in her memory.
As news of her passing spreads, online tributes from friends and the arts community underscore the profound void left by her absence. Tegan Hallie Zoephel’s story is one of promise unfulfilled, yet her spirit of kindness and creativity continues to inspire those who knew her.