A lifelong learner and passionate community leader, Nancy attended Kearney State College in 1958. She began her professional career at Plectron in Overton and went on to lead a dynamic and varied life, marked by service, entrepreneurship, and mentorship.
In October 1958, Nancy married Eldon C. Muehling in Overton, Nebraska. Together, they built a family rooted in love, hard work, and community values.
Nancy worked as a school secretary in Bedford, Iowa. She earned her pilot’s license and completed a solo flight. Her dedication to civic engagement was evident when she ran for County Auditor in Taylor County, Iowa, in 1970, campaigned for U.S. Representative Tom Harkin, of Iowa, and managed successful local campaigns for Don Thomas (County Engineer) and Cindy Johnson (Mayor).
After moving to Lincoln, Nebraska, Nancy served as an executive assistant for NCCC, where she played a pivotal role in installing the first telecommunications tower in Chicago that
became part of MCI. She also sold insurance for Travelers and later served as executive administrator for The Hoppe Group from the mid 70’s to 1989.
A visionary entrepreneur, Nancy was a home builder in Lincoln, working closely with her children, and later founded Acquire Realty, where she served as owner and broker. Her leadership and business acumen earned her numerous accolades, including Businessperson of the Year, the Service to Mankind Award, and the Sertoma Award.
In 2000, Nancy assumed the role of Executive Director for the Lancaster County Habitat for Humanity, leading the organization with distinction until her retirement in 2015. She built over 100 homes and was awarded a Key to the City of Lincoln by Mayor C. Seng for her contributions to the organization.
Nancy is survived by her devoted husband, Eldon Muehling; sons Brad Muehling (Linda Muehling) and Burt Muehling (Stacy Muehling) of Lincoln, NE; and daughter Beth Muehling of Lincoln, NE. She was a proud grandmother to Lyndsey Muehling, Ellen Zoeller (Kenny Zoeller), Beau Muehling (Kelsey Van Patten), Meaghan Druery (Aaron Druery), Justin Muehling, Barrett Muehling, and Hope Muehling. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Ava Winder-Muehling, Benjamin Zoeller, Maximilian Muehling, and Jane Druery. Nancy is survived by her siblings, Alyce Bauer of Overton, NE, Carol Thomas of Lincoln, NE, and Gene McElhinny of Kearney, NE, along with many beloved nieces and nephews. Nancy is preceded in death by her Parents, Carl McElhinny and Delia (Carpenter) McElhinny, and her sisters, Patsy McElhinny and Connie (Reeder) McElhinny.
In retirement, Nancy shared her many talents by teaching quilting, canning, and pie-making at Southeast Community College. A gifted gardener, crafter, and sewer, she was known for hosting elaborate garden and tea parties and creating joyful gatherings for friends, neighbors, and family. She was a mentor and friend to many.
She was the beloved neighborhood Nana to the children in her neighborhood. Hosting them for craft, baking, and jelly-making days as she did with her own grandchildren.
Nancy will be remembered for her indomitable spirit, boundless creativity, and generous heart. A beloved wife, mother, nana, and friend, her legacy of love, service, and community impact will continue to inspire all who were fortunate to know her.
She will be deeply missed.
Services for Nancy will be held at 10:00 on Tuesday, August 19th, at Messiah Lutheran Church located at 1800 S. 84th, Lincoln, NE 68506. A lunch hosted by Nancy’s family will follow. Interment will be at Wyuka Cemetery, 3600 O St., Lincoln, NE 68510.
A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Monday, August 18, 2025 at Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel, 4300 ‘O’ Street in Lincoln.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to support a memorial fund that will honor Nancy’s legacy in a meaningful way at a future date.
After Glow
I’d like the memory of me
to be a happy one,
I’d like to leave an afterglow
of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo
whispering softly down the ways,
of happy times and laughing times
and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve,
To dry before the sun
Of happy memories that I leave
When life is done.