Laurie Diane Nelson
November 2, 1960 ~ May 7, 2026
Laurie Diane Nelson, 65, Brandon, SD, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Sanford USD Medical Center, in Sioux Falls, SD, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, family, and loved ones.
A Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon with a service beginning at 7:00 p.m. A livestream of the funeral service may be viewed by clicking HERE. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family to build a memorial garden in Laurie’s name.
Laurie Diane Doering was born on November 2, 1960, in Sioux Falls, SD, to A. G. and Danielle (Ogdie) Ehlen. She grew up in Sioux Falls and graduated from Washington High School. Laurie began her career as a surgical technician after attending vocational school and worked at Avera before transitioning to Citibank. Her heart eventually led her back to healthcare, and she proudly earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of South Dakota.
Shortly after completing nursing school, Laurie was diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer. She faced this battle with remarkable courage and used her experience to raise awareness of the disease. Later in life, she was also diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite these challenges, Laurie continued to care for others, including through her cherished role as a nanny for the Akkerman family. Over 14 years, she created countless memories with Audrey and Evelyn, who became an extension of her family.
Laurie married Dan Nelson on August 20, 1982. Although their marriage ended, they maintained a friendship and worked together to raise their three children. Laurie embraced farm life wholeheartedly, finding joy in driving tractors, wrangling livestock, and raising her family with love and laughter.
In 2004, Laurie met Dennis Altman, and the two shared a deep and joyful companionship. Their years together were filled with simple pleasures and adventures, including riding their matching mopeds, attending car shows, taking road trips to casinos, and sharing endless laughter. They became engaged shortly before Dennis passed in 2006. Laurie carried him in her heart always, and we find comfort knowing they are reunited.
Laurie had a servant’s heart. She welcomed people into her home, brought meals to those in need, gathered clothing and essentials for families going through difficult times, and volunteered in classrooms. Her smile and laugh were infectious, her hugs warm and generous, and her kindness unwavering. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, going for drives, shopping, eating out, and playing the occasional online game. She formed meaningful friendships through games like Mafia Wars and June’s Journey, some of which extended into real life.
Her greatest pride was her family. Laurie was a devoted mother to her three children, Ashlie, Blake, and Casey, her beloved ABC’s. She was endlessly supportive, selfless, and present in their lives. She was blessed to see each of them become parents and to witness the love they now pour into their own children. She often reminded her family to “call when you get home” and ended every conversation with “love you bunches.”
The title she cherished most was Grandma and Nana. Laurie adored her eight grandchildren. She celebrated their accomplishments, comforted their worries, spoiled them with treats, read stories, watched movies, and shared countless snuggles. While she leaves a tremendous void here on earth, we take comfort knowing she is now being welcomed by her eight grandbabies in heaven.
Laurie is survived by her children, Ashlie Nelson, Brandon, Blake (Anna) Nelson, Valley Springs, and Casey (Chris) Dickerson, Brandon. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Keegan and Koen Wingate, Bennett, Benson, and Addison Nelson, and Ari, Maeve, and Rae Dickerson; mother, Danielle Ehlen; sister, Linda (Kevin) Fountain; nephew, Royce Ehlen; niece, Jamie Jones; and special daughter, Shelly Krell.
Laurie was preceded in death by her fiancé, Dennis Altman; eight angel grandbabies; father, A.G. Doering; stepfather, Roy Ehlen; siblings, Marie Ehlen and Allan Gene Doering.
We are grateful for the love, strength, and memories Laurie shared with us throughout her life. She will be deeply missed and forever carried in our hearts. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
So sorry to hear this. Have known your Mom for many years!!!! Bowling activities/tournaments. She was so strong through her cancer years. 🙏🙏🙏
I knew Laurie starting in 1978, when her family lived across the street from a 7-11 on Cliff Ave. My son and his son knew the family through out the years also (recycling). God bless this family and friends with peace and comfort!!!
You have our deepest sympathy. Our prayers and thoughts are with you through this difficult time. Linda and Leon Meiburg
I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom. May God wrap His loving arms around each one of you and give you His peace, comfort and strength that only Hod can give. My deepest sympathies, 💔 and prayers 🙏
Sending our deepest sympathy on the loss of a very special lady. We will be praying for you all.
So very sorry to hear this…Laurie was a kind, sweet soul…. she will be missed. Lifting the family in prayer.
Ashlie Blake and Casey, I am so sorry to hear that your mom has passed away, I always enjoyed her company even though she was not feeling well, usually headaches, she treated me to 3 concerts at the Grand Falls Casino and I do believe she enjoyed herself as much as I did, I will miss our conversations whether we texted or talked on the phone. She is no longer in pain and no longer suffering from her cancer bout, I can say this because I’m sure she didn’t want to live out the rest of her life like that, she was a fighter but unfortunately it won her over in the end, please keep positive thoughts and her memories alive as she is watching down on you all now, she loved you kids so much and I know she loved her grandkids equally, Rest In Eternal Peace Laurie, you will be missed by all 😢
So sorry to hear Laurie passed. She was a wonderful person and always shared pictures of her grandbabies growing up. We will all miss her. I hope the all the beautiful memories of your mom gets you through this difficult time
To all of Laurie’s family I am sorry to hear of her passing. We spent a lot of time together growing up as cousins and as adults . Laurie was always fun to be around for me, and that giggle she had was the best. Love to you all
Ashlie, Blake, and Casey, your mother was simply the BEST!!! I’ve written this to you before, but I’m doing it again. I loved seeing your momma because every time she would look at you with her beautiful eyes and ear to ear sparkling smile, as if to say, “now get over here and give me a hug!” Everyone who knows her will remember her love for ALL of you, her kindness, concern and care for others, and her super hero cancer courage and strength. We laughed because she was one 1 older than me, so I had to respect my elders!! Rest peacefully until the rest of us get there, cuz you know there will be one big-ass party!! I love you and will miss you, Laurie!!!
My heart aches for Casey , Blake & Ashley, your mom was such a nice sweet person, i am so sorry for your loss.
I knew your Mom since middle school and she was always a shining light. We both ended up in Brandon-Valley together and you kids were in school together until we moved to Missouri. I always admired her strength and perseverance. Love and God’s peace to you all.
How blessed we were to have Laurie in our lives. Thank you for sharing us with her. She brought warmth, intelligence, and wit to everything she did! Sending all our love and condolences.