Laurel Nelson, 64, Minot, died Friday, January 20, 2017 in a Minot assisted living facility.

Laurel Beth Nelson was born on December 9, 1952 in Stanley, ND, the daughter of Melvin and Etta Mae (McIvor) Arneson. She was raised and educated in Stanley, where she attended Lostwood Elementary School and Stanley High School, graduating in 1971.

As a young adult, Laurel lived in Vancouver, WA, St. Joe, MO, and Burlington, ND. In the late 80's, she met the love of her life, George Nelson in Harvey, ND. They made their home in Kenmare until moving to Minot in 1995 and were joined in marriage in 2005.

Laurel was employed at the United Mail Service, starting as a route driver and eventually moving up into an office position. She retired in 2015.

Laurel enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles and gardening, especially growing vegetables. She was a collector of angels and lighthouses. She will be missed by all who called her a wife, mother and grandmother.

Laurel's loving family includes her husband and companion of 28 years, George, Minot; children, Lisa (Jeremy) Roth, Bismarck, Travis Arneson, Idaho Falls, ID, Andrea Arneson, Bismarck, Dion Nelson, Minot and Melissa Schumacker, Bismarck; grandchildren, Cortland and Callah Roth, Chase Boehm and Kaitlyn and Joshua Schumacker; sister, Carol (Slavens), Bakersfield, CA along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Laurel was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral Service: 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Interment: Vang Lutheran Church Cemetery, Manfred, North Dakota later in the spring.
Visitation: Tuesday, January 24, 2017 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.