Dr. Frank J. Theuerkauf Jr., M.D.

Dr. Frank J. Theuerkauf Jr., M.D., age 100, of Erie, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026, surrounded by his beloved daughters, leaving behind a legacy of service, leadership, and dedication to medicine that spanned more than half a century.

Born on October 9, 1925, in Lafayette, Indiana, Dr. Theuerkauf was the son of Dr. Frank J. Theuerkauf Sr. and Margueritta McCormick Theuerkauf. He was raised in Erie and educated at St. Peter Elementary School and Strong Vincent High School, graduating in 1943. He attended Gannon College before earning his medical degree with Alpha Omega Alpha honors from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in 1948.

Dr. Theuerkauf completed his surgical training in Baltimore and proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict as a Captain in the United States Army Medical Corps. Following his military service, he returned to Erie to practice surgery alongside his father before pursuing specialized training in colon and rectal surgery at the Mayo Clinic. He was board-certified in colon and rectal surgery in 1970.

A pioneer in his field, Dr. Theuerkauf introduced colonoscopy to Erie and played a vital role in advancing colorectal cancer prevention. He founded the Colon and Rectal Surgery Residency Program at St. Vincent Hospital, training generations of surgeons and shaping colorectal education nationally. He also created the Colon and Rectal Surgery Educational Program (CARSEP), a landmark self-assessment program still used today.

Dr. Theuerkauf served as President of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons from 1987 to 1988 and held numerous leadership roles at the local, regional, and national levels. He was widely respected for his clinical excellence, vision, and commitment to education.

In 1958, he married Mildred “Millie Kae” Hakala, a St. Vincent Hospital nurse. They shared nearly 62 years of marriage until her passing in 2020. Together they raised five daughters: Lynell S. Krull (Craig), Pamela A. Millin (Peter), Shelley L. Theuerkauf, Nancy R. Theuerkauf (Kevin Hicks), and Kaija J. Staley. He was a devoted father and grandfather to seven grandchildren: Frank Krull, Jennifer Lastrapes, Sebastian Millin, Grace Millin, Elliot Millin, Taylor Theuerkauf, and Katie Staley.

Guided by deep catholic faith, integrity, and humility, Dr. Theuerkauf lived a life of service to others, always placing patients, students, and family at the center of all he did.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Theuerkauf was an avid golfer, lifelong Notre Dame football fan, Corvette enthusiast, and accomplished jazz drummer who helped bring nationally recognized musicians to Erie. His hobbies included model airplane, car, and plane building. After retiring, he and his wife spent many years in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, before returning to Erie to be near family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Millie Kae Theuerkauf; his brother, Jack Theuerkauf; two sisters, Jane Theuerkauf and Nan Held; and his beloved granddaughter, Katie Staley.

Dr. Theuerkauf will be remembered as a compassionate physician, visionary leader, dedicated teacher, and loving family man whose influence continues through the countless patients he served and surgeons he trained.

Friends are invited to call at the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services Inc., Downtown, 602 W.10th St. on Sunday March 1, 2026 from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm. Further viewing Monday in St. Peter Cathedral from 9:00 am until 10:00 am at which time a Funeral Mass will be celebrated. Burial with Military Honors will be in Calvary cemetery.

In lieu of flowers and in memory of Frank’s love of animals, memorials may be made to any animal shelter or rescue organization.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to his caregivers, colleagues, and friends for their compassion, kindness, and support throughout his life.

Send condolences to www.BurtonQuinnScott.com