Frank Walerko, M.D.

Frank Walerko, M.D. 101, of Mishawaka, Indiana passed away on Tuesday, April 14, in his residence.

Frank was born July 28, 1924, in Elkhart, Indiana, to Nicholas and Julia (Hosick) Walerko.

On June 12, 1948, in Mishawaka, Frank married Beverly Weinkauf. Beverly preceded Frank in death on July 20, 2008.  Frank was also preceded in death by his parents, three sisters: Frances McCammon, Betty Weaver and Delores Walerko, and one brother, Edward F. Walerko.  Frank is survived by his six children:  Barbara Walerko, Rebecca (Carl) Dierking, Frank (Tonya) Walerko, Pamela Walerko, Philip (Erin) Walerko, and Mark (Cristy) Walerko along with over 32 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Overcoming early life challenges, he graduated from Notre Dame University, St. Louis School of Medicine and interned at Detroit Receiving Hospital and later, the University of Minnesota with practicums at the Cleveland Clinic and VA Hospital for his Urology specialty, with the honor of achieving a Fellowship in Urology. He started as a family physician, transitioning to Urology, contributing to the community for over 50 years.

Dr. Walerko was active military.  He was a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy (3 years) and a Captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corp (2 years).  Frank was a Sir Knight in the Knights of Columbus assembly #242.  His children and grandchildren have benefited from observing his values about family, education, faith and work ethic. Frank possessed a natural curiosity about life and a desire to learn.  His passions included the field of Medicine and Notre Dame sports. 

Frank was member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Mishawaka and a former member of St. Monica Catholic Church, Mishawaka.

Frank was certified by the American Board of Urology, with membership in the American Urological Association including the North Central Section, the American College of Surgeons, the American Medical Association, the Indiana State Medical Association and the St. Joseph County Medical Association.

Visitation will take place April 20, at the Palmer Funeral Home - Bubb Chapel, 3910 N. Main St., Mishawaka from 5:00pm until 8:00pm.  Rosary will be recited at 7:00pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 4508 Vistula Rd, Mishawaka on Tuesday, April 21, at 11:00am with visitation starting at 10:00am.  Fr. William Meininger will officiate with entombment to follow at St. Joseph Valley Park, Granger, where military honors will be conducted by VFW Post #360 of Mishawaka and the U.S. Navy. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, www.lustgarten.org, Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 4508 Vistula Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545 or University of Notre Dame, 1100 Grace Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556.

Online condolences can be made at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com