Laurel Margaret Hastings was born Oct 5, 1948 at Jamestown, ND the only daughter of Orrie D. and Evelyn L. (Ramer) Hastings.  She grew up in Pingree, ND where she received her education graduating from high school in 1966. Shortly after graduation she moved to Jamestown and enrolled as a student at Town & Country Beauty College. David Kelstrom the owner of the school noticed her exceptional beautician skills and artistic talent. He employed Laurel as an instructor and stylist where she built lifelong relationships with many of the hundreds of students that she taught.On Sep 13, 1969 she married Robert D. Nelson at Jamestown, ND. From this marriage her two children Troy D. and Bobbi Jo were born. They built, owned and operated Hillview Bar, where Laurel is remembered to this day for her culinary skills. They divorced shortly after Troy graduated from High school. Laurel proceeded to raise and support her children to adulthood and purchased her home, returning to work at David’s Hair Salon and Lil’s Continental Lounge.

In November 1996, Laurel met her soulmate and the love of her life. Craig and Laurel dated for several months, when he took her on her first airline flight to New Orleans, which was the first of many treasured vacation trips.  They worked side by side over the years painting and remodeling the house that they shared to this day. Laurel booth rented at En Styl Salon when David’s closed, continued to work weekends at the Brass Rail when Lil’s closed and did the bookkeeping and payroll for CMC Builders.

Laurel loved Jamestown, serving the community well not only as a good citizen, but as a thoughtful and caring business woman. She was an integral part of the downtown business district, and had strong convictions of not letting the Buffalo roam.

Laurel was a lady of many talents, possessing the skill set to do most of her own handyman projects, had a green thumb and excelled in decorating. She succeeded at everything she undertook, even if she didn’t get it right the first time. She had the ability to develop friendships with people regardless of age, gender or ethnicity and had a vast array of friends both personal and professionally. She enjoyed traveling, watching races, attending arts and crafts shows, spending time in the yard with her flowers, watching sitcoms a good movie or reading.

Some of her most memorable moments were taking numerous trips to Cozumel, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, St. Maarten, Arizona and Las Vegas and of course New Orleans. Laurel had health problems for many years.

She fought and survived many battles with health and medical issues, with Craig right by her side. In October 2015 she was forced into retirement due to escalating health issues. In May 2013 Opie became part of the family, and Laurel loved and worried about her baby right to the end of her life. Her most important love and passion where her fiancé, Opie and her children, always concerned and worrying about their well-being and safety.

Laurel M. Nelson, died comfortably from the results of a stroke Wednesday, March 20, 2019, at Ave Maria Village, Jamestown, ND

She is survived by her life partner and fiancé Craig A. Mehlhaff, her little cup of joy Opie, her son, Troy D and Michelle, Jamestown, ND;  daughter Bobbi Jo and fiancé Waco, and son Brayden, Bismarck, ND;  two brothers, James (Diane) Hastings, Courtney, ND;  Michael (Kristy), Wishek, ND; one aunt Phyllis Ramer, Kensal, ND; several nieces and nephews, and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial Service: 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 30, 2019 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Jamestown.10/05/1948