Gail Aurand, 63, of Elkhart, Iowa passed from this life on June 3rd, 2023.
Gail was born on June 24, 1959, to Jim and Helen Blaney of East Polk county IA. Gail graduated from Southeast Polk High school in 1977, and then attended Central College in Pella, IA, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Music Performance
Following graduation from Central, Gail attended Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University, eventually earning a Master of Divinity degree. While there she met and married Joel Aurand, also a student at the Divinity School, in 1982. Both were ordained to Christian ministry in 1985.
Over the years Gail and Joel served many pastorates throughout the Midwest. In 1998 Gail went back to college at Missouri Baptist College in St. Louis and earned a bachelor’s degree in Music Education. She went on to teach Elementary Music for 22 years for the Ft. Zumwalt School District in suburban St. Louis, while still pastoring part-time.
In 2020 Gail retired from teaching and the Aurands moved to Elkhart, IA to pastor the Elkhart Christian Church. Gail was still actively involved in ministry when she died.
The Aurands have three daughters, Kelsey Aurand de Razo (Ingemar), of Kirksville, MO; Bethany Murray (Jack), of Boise, ID; and Charis Aurand (Nate Rozycki), of Ankeny, IA. They also have eight grandchildren, Diego, Miguel, Octavio, and Gael Razo; Ada, Opal, and Elsie Murray; and Zechariah Rozycki.
Gail loved to sew and quilt. She was also an avid Mah Jong player and simply enjoyed spending time with people (especially the grandchildren).
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, June 10, 2023, 10:00 am at the Elkhart Christian Church in Elkhart, IA.
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