Laurel Nelson, 87
Laurel Ann Nelson was born on Oct. 4, 1938, in Tracy, Minn., to Ruben and Blanche (DeBlieck) Mickelson. She grew up near Tracy and attended Country School District #51, Murray County until the fifth grade she then transferred to Tracy Public School graduating in 1956. On Sept. 6, 1957, she and Clifford Nelson were married at the Willow Lake Lutheran Church in rural Currie, Minn. Following their marriage, they made their home and farmed near Lake Shetek where they raised their five children.
In 1972 Laurel attended classes and became an assessor. She worked for 10 years as a local assessor for four townships in Murray County. In 1982 she began working at the Murray County Assessor Office in Slayton, Minn., and in 1984 she moved to Slayton. In 1987 she became Murray County Assessor and retired after 23 years of working for Murray County. Following her retirement, she went to work for Bob Pazdernik as an Assessor Contractor.
In 2025 she moved to Prairie View Healthcare Center in Tracy. Laurel passed away there on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, at the age of 87. She was a past member of Willow Lake Lutheran Church where she was baptized and confirmed. Upon moving to Slayton, she joined Christ Lutheran Church in Slayton. Laurel was active in the women’s group and served on several church committees and was past president of the congregation.
Laurel enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, coffee with friends, playing cards, traveling (the occasional trip to the casino), and spending time at the lake. Her biggest pastime was watching the Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Vikings. She also enjoyed supporting local high school athletes.
Survivors include her five children, Tracy (Julie) Nelson of Farmington, Minn., Torre (Denise) Nelson and Monte (Jerilyn) Nelson, all of Apple Valley, Minn., Jill (Tom) Hollingsworth of Benson, Minn., and Mary (Jerry) Entinger of Brandon; 14 grandchildren, Abbey (Nick) Bloomquist, Claire Nelson, Kalley Nelson, Paige (Andy) Johns, Kjerstin Nelson, Justina (Neil) Knutson, Nate Nelson, Alex Nelson, Jerry Gladis Jr., Jesse (Lori) Gladis, Jenilee (Josh) Davidson, Josh (Jodie) Gladis, Landon Entinger (Katelyn Hansen), and Colin Entinger; 11 great-grandchildren; and only sister, Barbara (Tom) Hudnall, of Bixby, Okla., and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She is preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral services are planned for 10:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 21, 2026 at Christ Lutheran Church in Slayton, with Rev. Chad Duffy officiating. Interment is at Willow Lake Cemetery in rural Currie, Minn.
Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, at Christ Lutheran Church in Slayton and one-hour prior to the services at the church on Monday.
Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton is entrusted with arrangements. To view online obituary and send condolences visittotzkefuneralhome.com.
