Wayne B. Aurich of Montgomery, Texas, went to be with the Lord on July 26, 2026.

Wayne was born in Houston, Texas to Bertram Jesse Aurich and Anita (Olle) Aurich on May 15, 1944.  Wayne was a third-generation Texan whose ancestors came from Germany through the port of Galveston and settled in the Freyburg and New Ulm communities.

Wayne graduated from Jones High School in Houston, going on to further his education at the University of Houston and Central Texas College.  Wayne was an avid outdoorsman. His lifelong dream had been to become a Park or Forest Ranger, but poor eyesight prevented this dream from coming true. He also desired to become an aviation pilot, but again his poor eyesight prevented this. His love of flying and wide knowledge of aircraft led him to get his fixed wing pilot license including instrument rating and instructor license. Added into this mix was his thrill for sky diving.

Keeping in tune with his love of flying and his natural ability to 'fix things' led him to become a Crew Chief in the Army serving with the 54th Medical Detachment of DUSTOFF (medical evacuation helicopter). He also served as Flight Operation Specialist with DUSTOFF in Vietnam. Wayne retired from the commercial airline industry after 45 years spent in customer-related roles.

Wayne had a natural ability to relate to people. He never met a stranger; was always willing to help neighbors, friends and family. This speaks wonders of his character.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jeanette, one daughter, Niki Schroeder, one brother, one aunt, three cousins, three nephews, two nieces.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Trinity Klein Lutheran Church Heroes' Pantry.

'Trinity Klein's goal is to give Veterans and their families a safe and loving place to form relationships with fellow Veterans and experience the love of Christ.

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.  -John 15:13'