Nina Mae DeSersa Achenbach, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, was born on April 19, 1947, in Rapid City, South Dakota. She was raised in Lusk, Wyoming, where she began to develop the qualities that would define her life - hard work, compassion, and an ever-present love for her family and community. She attended Niobrara High School, where she became a part of the 4H Club, cheered for her school’s teams, and found joy in both choir and theater. It was clear from a young age that Nina was someone who embraced life fully and with passion.

In 1965, at the age of 18, Nina married Urben Achenbach. They moved to Sheridan, Wyoming shortly after their marriage, where Nina began her studies in Child Psychology at Sheridan College. It was also during this time that Nina’s heart for helping others grew stronger. She became a certified nursing assistant (CNA) and worked in various healthcare settings, including Eventide (now Big Horn Rehabilitation), Home Health, Westview, and Sugarland Ridge. Nina’s work as a CNA was more than just a job - it was a calling, one inspired by her mother, who was the first CNA in Wyoming. Through her tireless care and dedication, Nina made a lasting impact on everyone she cared for.

But Nina’s talents and heart didn’t stop at her professional life. She ran her own in-home daycare, nurturing and caring for children in the same way she did for her own. She always had time for her children - whether it was attending their concerts, productions, or bringing them treats, even when she was told not to. She had a knack for making those around her feel special, and she found joy in the little things, like making crafts for her family and friends.

Her generosity and kind spirit were boundless. Whether it was offering help to someone in need, sharing her wisdom, or just offering a listening ear, Nina was always there. She was an active member of the Calvary Baptist Church, a place where she found a strong community until she moved to Washington to be closer to her daughter and her family. In 2012, Nina returned to Sheridan, and though she was later diagnosed with dementia in 2013, her loving nature and infectious spirit remained a central part of who she was.

Nina joined her Heavenly Father on July 15, 2025. While we mourn her loss, we are comforted knowing that she is now at peace, free from pain. She is preceded in death by her parents, Selma Evansen and Leo DeSersa, and her siblings Deloris, Gene, Sonny, Doris, and Elizabeth. She is survived by four sisters - Arlene Smith (Worland, WY), Kathy Brown (Big Springs, NE), Evelyn Gerber, and Carolyn Kraft (both of Lusk, WY) - and by her four children, Tina Matthews (San Manuel, AZ), Randy Achenbach, Timothy Achenbach, and Angela Logan (all of Sheridan, WY). Nina’s legacy lives on through her twelve grandchildren and twenty one great grandchildren, each of whom carry a piece of her heart.

Nina’s life was a testament to love, kindness, and devotion. She taught us the importance of caring for others, showing up for those we love, and always finding joy in the little moments. Her memory will live on in every act of kindness, every cherished family gathering, and every moment we take to reflect on her life and the impact she had on each of us.

Rest in peace, Nina. You will forever be loved and deeply missed.

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A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 2nd, at 11:00 am At Champion Kane Funeral Home, with a reception to immediately follow in the Champion Kane Reception Hall. Inurnment will follow the reception in the Juniper Heights section of the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery.

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If unable to attend please click on the link below to view the service.

https://boxcast.tv/view/nina-achenbach-memorial-service-i4yi7k2jtemnqpkiduqe

Champion Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.

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