Charles Henry Aurand, III, was born October 18, 1961, to Charles Aurand, Jr. and Donna (Erb) Aurand, minutes before his identical twin, William Robert Aurand. The surprise delighted their three sisters.

After moving from Ohio to Arizona, Chuck considered Flagstaff home. Despite his lifelong deficiency in orienteering, he earned the Eagle Scout Bronze Palm while in high school. Chuck earned a BA in religious and Judaic studies from the University of Arizona in 1984 and a MDiv from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 1988. Efficient as ever, Chuck combined his Seminary graduation date with that of his first marriage—no need for a second trip. From that union came Chuck’s beloved children Dorothy Elisabeth and Charles Henry.

After that marriage ended, Chuck focused on parish ministry. He was ordained in 1995 and recently celebrated 30 years of ordination.

Chuck served Presbyterian (PCUSA) congregations in Kansas and Wyoming before being called in 2001 to Olive Presbyterian Church in Platte, SD, and nearby Academy UCC. At a required meeting for clergy serving combined denominations, he met the Rev. Patricia Helmer. After the meeting Chuck invited Patti to lunch to “continue their conversation,” and they never stopped talking.

That Christmas, Chuck introduced Patti to Dory and Charlie–instant kid love– and proposed on Epiphany. Recognizing his difficulty remembering dates, he suggested their wedding be on the anniversary of the lunar landing. They married July 20, 2002, at Placerville Church Camp.

Together and apart, Chuck and Patti served churches in South Dakota, Iowa, Arizona, and Montana. In 2018, they returned to Belle Fourche, SD, where Chuck served the First Congregational UCC and St. Onge UCC. He also served as PRN chaplain (Patti had “volunteered” him) with Stillwater Hospice. He found joy in reminding others of God’s unconditional love and excelled in teaching that love.

Outside ministry, Chuck cheering for the Detroit Tigers, read voraciously, gazed at the stars, and treasured family time.

After a brief, but fierce, bout of depression, Chuck ended his life July 21, 2026. Chuck believed, despite Patti’s objections, that he was fulfilling his vow “to seek the other’s good.”

Survivors include his wife, Patricia H. Aurand; father, Dr. Charles Aurand, Jr.; children Dory (Tate) Hanson and Charlie (Emily) Aurand, IV; granddaughters Nadia, Hilde, and Addison; siblings Janice (Doug) Hirschi, Cheryl (Kurt) McMillen, Sandra (Bob) Burris, and William (Marcia) Aurand; in-laws Gary and Jean (MIL) Helmer and Bill Helmer; and many extended family members, friends, colleagues, and others whose lives he touched. He was predeceased by his mother, Dr. Donna Aurand.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 am Saturday, August 1, 2026 at the First Congregational UCC in Belle Fourche, SD. In lieu of flowers, memorials made be given to Placerville Camp, the Compassion Cupboard, or to NPR/SDPB.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com