Charles Henry Aurand, III, was born on October 18, 1961 to Charles Aurand, Jr. and Donna (Erb) Aurand and joined minutes later by his identical twin brother, William Robert Aurand. The double blessing came as a surprise to the family and as a novel delight to the boys’ three sisters. As the boys grew, their grandfather referred to them as “Chuckie and/or Billy” and later their sisters called them “the bookends” for their typical placement in family photos.

Though born in Ohio, Chuck always considered Flagstaff, Arizona as his hometown. Growing up in Flagstaff, Chuck was active in Boy Scouts and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout Bronze Palm despite his lifelong deficiencies in orienteering. During that time, he also cultivated his love of astronomy, which remained a lifelong passion.

After graduating from Flagstaff High School, Chuck graduated with a BA in 1984 from the University of Arizona with a major in Religious Studies and minor in Judaic Studies. Chuck then graduated from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity in 1988. Chuck was always looking for ways to be efficient. In that vein, he married his first wife the same day he graduated from seminary, saving his family two trips.

From that union came his two beloved children: Dorothy Elisabeth and Charles Henry. The marriage dissolved soon after and Chuck rejoined his path to parish ministry. He was ordained at his home church, Flagstaff Federated Church, on October 29, 1995, and recently celebrated his 30th ordination anniversary.

Chuck served Presbyterian (PCUSA) congregations in Kansas and Wyoming prior to being called in 2001 to serve the yoked parish of Olive Presbyterian Church in Platte, SD, and the nearby Academy UCC. Little did he know that his world would change two weeks later at clergy conference for pastors serving congregations of different denominations. There he met the Rev. Patricia Helmer, who was considering a move from the UCC to ELCA. After an invitation at the end of the meeting to “continue the conversation”, Chuck invited Patti to lunch and they never stopped talking.

That Christmas, Chuck introduced Patti to Dory and Charlie – the love was instant. That Epiphany, Chuck proposed. Due to Chuck’s difficulties remembering dates, he wisely bundled the couple’s wedding date with something he could easily recall: the lunar landing. On July 20, 2002, Chuck and Patti were married at Placerville Church Camp.

This unconventional clergy couple then served various churches in South Dakota, Iowa, Arizona, and Montana before returning to Patti’s hometown of Belle Fourche in 2018. In 2020, Chuck began serving the Belle Fourche First Congregational United Church of Christ and the St. Onge United Church, which ended up being his longest pastorate. In addition to serving as their pastor, his wife “volunteered” him for the open PRN chaplain position with Stillwater Hospice. One of Chuck’s greatest joys was being present to those who needed to be reminded of God’s unconditional love. One of Chuck’s greatest skills was teaching others about that same love.

Outside ministry, Chuck could be found cheering for his Detroit Tigers, voraciously reading, studying the cosmos, admiring penguins, hiking in Spearfish Canyon and Custer State Park, solving puzzles, or enjoying quality time with his family.

Chuck’s life ended on July 21, 2026 after a brief, but fierce, bout of depression. Even in his preparing for his death, he continued to reach out to others in love and left lists of instructions to help others continue in his absence. Through his death, he thought he was fulfilling his vows to Patti “to seek the other’s good”, despite her objections.

Chuck was predeceased by his mother, Dr. Donna Aurand in 2010. He is survived by his wife Patricia H. Aurand; his father, Dr. Charles Aurand, Jr; daughter Dory (Tate) Hanson; son Charlie (Emily) Aurand, IV; granddaughters Nadia, Hilde, and Addison; siblings Janice (Doug) Hirschi, Cheryl (Kurt) McMillen, Sandra (Bob) Burris, and William (Marcia) Aurand; and his in-laws Gary and Jean (MIL) Helmer and brother-in-law Bill Helmer. The list of survivors goes on to include his extended family, his friends and colleagues, and the countless other lives Chuck touched, without realizing the void his absence would leave.

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