James "Ted" Theodore Auffenorde

James Theodore “Ted” Auffenorde, age 74, passed away Monday, May 20, 2024 at Orion Oaks Assisted Living in Lake Orion, Michigan. Ted was born on March 15, 1950 to James Edward and Lee (Evans) Auffenorde of Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania. He was the oldest of their five children.

Although he was born and raised in Pennsylvania, he put down permanent roots in Romeo when he moved to Michigan as a Newlywed with his high school sweetheart, Justine “Tina” (Wladyka) Auffenorde. From there, he built a life that spanned his last nearly 50 years as a Romeo resident.

Prior to moving to Michigan, Ted attended St. Vincent college where he played hockey as a goalie. When he wasn’t blocking shots on the ice, he was “borrowing” the odd beer or two while he worked a summer job weighing beers for Rolling Rock. Ted proposed to Tina once he earned his Bachelor’s degree and their family began.

Ted enjoyed a variety of sports during his lifetime. He was a bowler and a golfer; he played racket ball and baseball. As his children grew, he coached their soccer team. Even as physical difficulties made it more difficult for him to play sports, he loved nothing more than to sit and watch a game (no matter the sport). His kids have wonderful memories of him taking them to multiple Red Wing, Tiger, Lion, and Piston games.

Ted forged a 30-year career with Ford Motor company. He worked in many different sectors in the business from sales to the assembly line before he retired from the Ford Engine plant in Romeo.

Ted had many hobbies throughout the years. He enjoyed photography, collecting trains, and created a large coin collection. During the summers, he would put on local fireworks displays. His family remembers traveling to various nearby towns to watch his shows during the 4th of July. Fun times were had with neighbors turned family boating on Lake Huron. Some of the best memories Ted made were during annual vacations at the shore with Tina and the kids and both sides of their families.

Ted was a student of nature and life. He loved to explore as a child—he often would be gone for hours just taking in the world around him. This translated to a love for gardening into his adult life. He especially loved working with bonsai trees. He cultivated many plants and trees over his lifetime—a legacy that still grows today in the backyard of the home he shared with Tina.

Furthermore, Ted was an avid reader of philosophical and religious books, and many other books that sought to teach the reader ways of reaching inner peace and enlightenment. He would often gift these types of books to his children, in-laws, and grandchildren. This was his way of taking care of his family.

Above all, Ted possessed a generous heart. He was known for giving wonderful gifts to Tina and his loved ones. He had a passion or helping others and spent many hours volunteering in Detroit for homeless shelters. He was known to donate and give whatever he could to help others in need.

Ted is survived by his children, Beth (Noel) Jackson of St. Joseph, Michigan, Matt (Katie) Auffenorde of Lake Orion, Michigan, and Mike (Liz Kramer) Auffenorde of Washington Township, Michigan, and his first love, Tina Auffenorde. He also leaves behind a legacy of his four grandchildren: Lyla, Celia, Natalie, and Beckett along with his siblings Cathy (David) Ottaviano, Tom Auffenorde, Michael Auffenorde, Mary (Rodney) Yerby, and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 7, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Henry M. Malburg Funeral Home located at 11280 32 Mile Road Romeo, Michigan 48065.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ted’s name to Mental Health America. Information on how to contribute can be found by visitingmhanational.org.