Nina Fruehling, 79, of Beatrice, NE, passed away on October 14, 2025. Nina was born on August 25, 1946, to Alvin and Ortha Hansen. She graduated from Beatrice High School in 1966. After graduation, she worked in Tecumseh, Nebraska, for Campbell’s Soup. Shortly after, she met Melvin Fruehling upon his return home from military service in Vietnam. They were married on August 23, 1969, in Beatrice, first living in rural Filley, then briefly in Kimball, and later residing in Wymore until building their home on their acreage near Holmesville. One daughter, Amy, was born to this union.

Nina was a homemaker who was passionate about her faith. She attended Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Wymore before moving to Beatrice in 2015, where she became a member of Cornerstone Lutheran Church.

She enjoyed gardening and tended large vegetable gardens in Wymore and on their acreage before moving to Beatrice. Nina had a special passion for plants, especially sharing her beautiful Amaryllis flowers during the holidays.

In the 1980s, Nina became a skilled billiards player and was one of the top competitors in the women’s league, going on to win several state trophies. She continued to play casually on her beloved pool table whenever she could with friends and family.

She also enjoyed her cats, occasional trips to the casino, and wintering in Texas for several years with Melvin.

Nina was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Fruehling (2015); her parents, Alvin and Ortha Hansen; brother, Jerry Hansen; sister, Sally Hansen; and brother-in-law, Gail Fruehling.

She is survived by her daughter, Amy (Ryan) Knowles, and granddaughter, Avery Knowles; brothers Jim (Linda) Hansen, Mike (Elva) Hansen, Gary (Eunice) Hansen, John Hansen, and Dan Hansen; brother-in-law, Ray Fruehling; and sister-in-law, Vivian Fruehling. She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Graveside services will be held at 11:30 AM 0n Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at the Evergreen Home Cemetery in Beatrice. There will be no viewing or visitation as cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the Cornerstone Lutheran Church and the Beatrice Humane Society with the funeral home in charge.

We encourage friends and family to share their memories and upload photos of Nina on her memorial page at www.ghchapel.com. Your stories and pictures will serve as comfort to all who were touched by her life.

 These services have been entrusted to the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice.