Our beloved Laurel Love Nielsen Fleck was unexpectedly taken from us too soon on August 8, 2016. Laurel was born on April 19, 1944, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was one of five daughters born to Charles Gordon and Mary Leone Love Nielsen. 

This bright beam of sunshine warmed the heart of each person lucky enough to know her and she enriched and illuminated the lives of anyone who met her.

Proud to be a lifelong resident of Richland, WA Laurel graduated from Richland High School (GO BOMBERS!) in 1962. Laurel met Gerald Berg, of Kennewick, and they married on June 12, 1964. They began their little family welcoming their first daughter Alana in 1967, followed by Rhonda in 1969.

She worked at several companies in the area including Sagemoor Farms in Pasco, Goodwill Industries of the Tri-Cities, but her favorite was Plumbers and Steamfitters UA Local Union 598.

In July 1987, she met Gordon Clifford Fleck and married the next month in Idaho after a whirlwind courtship. They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the LDS Temple in Bellevue, WA. Laurel and Gordon were both active members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many capacities. They especially loved working in the Columbia River Temple.

It was no secret Laurel’s greatest love was for her family. She also had a special place in her heart for her precious canine companion, Jordon. Laurel is survived by her two daughters, Alana Jones (Parrish), Rhonda Femreite (Reese), step-son Rodney Fleck, six grandchildren Trevor, Adam and Kyle Jones, Madison, Cooper and Martin Femreite, six step-grandchildren Anastasia, Emma-Grayce, William, Sierra,  Serenity and Joey Fleck; sisters Frances Zeuge, Marilyn Ragsdale, Sharon Sturgis (Wes) and Valerie Lee (Duane).

Laurel was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gordon and her parents Gordy and Leone.

Laurel leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter, and stories so amazing and hilarious that we will have lifetimes to remember and retell the moments she gave us.  Though she has moved on, her spirit and legacy remain here with us. These memories will comfort and guide us as we travel our own paths through life.