Deborah K. “Deb” Theill, age 59, of Menominee, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

Deborah was born on July 18, 1966, in Galena, Illinois, the daughter of Earl and Rosie (Callahan) Berning. She graduated from Wahlert High School in 1984 and went on to earn a degree in Accounting from Clarke University in 1988. On August 27, 1988, Deborah married the love of her life, Jeff Theill. Together they built a life centered around family, community, and countless memories with friends. Deborah dedicated 38 years of service to Clarke University, where she built lasting relationships and made a meaningful impact on those she worked with. She was also deeply involved in her community, including many years supporting Nativity BVM School.

Deborah was a proud mother of Cory (Kiresten) Theill and Kyle (Anna Busch) Theill and a proud grandmother to Waylon, Beckham, and Blaine, treasuring every moment spent with them. She loved gathering with family and friends, especially around the ballpark, cheering on the Cubs, enjoying time around her pool, baking in the kitchen, and lending a helping hand whenever someone needed it. Deborah especially enjoyed spending time with her close group of friends, affectionately known as “the Hags,” sharing many laughs and memorable parties together. She looked forward each spring to visiting the Amish greenhouses for flowers and spending time working in her garden. One of her favorite traditions was the family’s annual trip to Noah’s Ark Waterpark.

Deborah is survived by her husband, Jeff Theill; her sons, Cory (Kiresten) Theill and Kyle (Anna Busch) Theill; her beloved 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.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., on Friday, March 13, 2026, at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the parish and St. Ann’s Society Rosary will be recited at 2:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Nativity BVM Church, with Fr. Bosco Aruldoss officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with a dinner to follow.

Deborah will be remembered for her generous heart, her dedication to family and community, and the joy she brought to everyone around her.

Jeff and family wish to extend special thanks to Dr. Hermann, Tony and staff, and to the staff at the Wendt Regional Cancer Center for their love, care and support the past couple of years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Wendt Regional Cancer Center, Dubuque, IA.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com©