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Nina Jean Wardell (Gunderson), age 78 of Omaha, Nebraska passed away peacefully on June 18, 2026. Born on March 24, 1948, in Alliance, Nebraska, Nina dedicated her life to caring for others, advancing the nursing profession, and educating future generations of healthcare professionals. Her commitment to nursing, education, and service left a lasting impact on countless students, colleagues, patients, friends, and family members.

Nina graduated from Blair High School in 1966. She then attended Nebraska Wesleyan University for 2 years and attended Bryan College taking nursing classes and graduated in 1972.

Nina earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Creighton University, a Master of Science in Nursing Education Psychiatric Nursing from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and a Ph.D. in Educational Studies with an emphasis in Higher Education Leadership from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her pursuit of knowledge reflected her lifelong belief in the transformative power of education.

Throughout her distinguished career, Nina served as a Registered Nurse at Methodist Hospital, a Nursing Instructor at Metropolitan Community College, and a Nursing Educator and Professor in the Master of Science in Nursing program at Clarkson College. She was deeply respected by students and colleagues alike and was known for her professionalism, compassion, wisdom and unwavering commitment to excellence in nursing education. Many considered her not only an instructor, but also a mentor and role model whose influence extended far beyond the classroom.

Nina was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church and found great joy in spending time with family, traveling and exploring America's national parks and states. She cherished opportunities to experience the beauty of the country and create lasting memories with those she loved.

Above all else, Nina treasured her family. She is survived by her sons, Jay Wardell (Jess) and Kyle Wardell (Katie); her beloved grandchildren, Noah, Rowyn, Cole, Emmett, and Quinn; her sisters Diane Bro and Janelle Werner (Dennis); along with many extended family members, friends, former students and colleagues whose lives she touched through her kindness and guidance. She also shared many happy years with her companion, Jim Enright, who passed before her and always held a part of her heart. She was preceded in death by her parents, Milo and Rachael Gunderson.

Nina will be remembered for her generous spirit, her dedication, her strength of character, and the example she set for others throughout her life. Her legacy lives on in the countless nurses she helped with education, the patients indirectly served through her teaching, and the family she loved so deeply.

The family invites all who knew Nina to celebrate a life devoted to faith, education, service and love at a Celebration of Life visitation at the First Presbyterian Church, 216 South 34th St., Omaha, NE 68131 on Sat., Aug. 1 from 1-4 p.m.

Memorial Contributions suggested by the family are ones that further help with the education of the nursing profession:

Methodist Hospital Foundation (Caring for Students or Education)

Bryan College Foundation (Blue Healer Bin; Transportation, Uniform or Book Support)

Clarkson College Nursing (Clarkson College Cupboard & Closet or Student Emergency Fund)

Or donor's choice

Note: same printed in the July 28, 2026 Enterprise, Blair, Nebraska ~~~Obituary courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair, Nebraska Public Library~~~

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