Deborah K. Theill

Deborah K. "Deb" Theill, age 59, of Menominee, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Born on July 18, 1966, in Galena, Illinois, to Earl and Rosie (Callahan) Berning, she graduated from Wahlert High School in 1984 and earned a degree in Accounting from Clarke University in 1988. That same year, on August 27, she married Jeff Theill, the love of her life, and together they created a warm home centered on family, friendship, and community.

Deb devoted 38 years of service to Clarke University, forming deep and lasting relationships with colleagues and students alike. She was also a steadfast supporter of Nativity BVM School and remained actively involved in her community. A proud and loving mother to Cory (Kiresten) Theill and Kyle (Anna Busch) Theill, she cherished her role as grandmother to Waylon, Beckham, and Blaine, finding her greatest joy in their presence. She loved gathering with family and friends at the ballpark to cheer on the Cubs, relaxing by her pool, baking in her kitchen, tending her garden, and visiting the Amish greenhouses each spring. She especially treasured time with her close circle of friends known as “the Hags,” sharing laughter and memorable celebrations, and looked forward every year to the family’s trip to Noah’s Ark Waterpark.

She is survived by her husband, Jeff Theill; her sons, Cory (Kiresten) Theill and Kyle (Anna Busch) Theill; her grandchildren, Waylon, Beckham, and Blaine; her siblings, Mike (Joan), Karen (Mike), Tim (Lynn), and Andy (Michelle); her mother-in-law, Rosie Theill; and her brothers- and sisters-in-law, Randy, Pam (Bobby), Julie, Lisa (Travis), Jason (Lindsay), and Jamie. She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Rosie Berning; her sister, Julie Berning; and her father-in-law, Mervin Theill.

Deborah will be remembered for her generous heart, her quiet dedication to those she loved, and the genuine joy she brought to everyone around her.