Dr. David Ross Kraus

1939 - 2022

Family and farm loving Dr. David Ross Kraus passed on to "walk with God" on April 4, 2022, at the age of 83.
Dr. David Ross Kraus, affectionately known to many as "Pop-Pop," is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Susan Eichelkraut Kraus, and their three children and their spouses, Ross (Nellie), Elizabeth and Kurt (Michele).
He was also blessed with nine grandchildren, Kelsey Spangenberg, Susie Ester, Emily Kraus, David Kraus, Kristen Vargo, Kaitlyn Welsh, Abbey Kraus, Liam Kraus and Kyle Kraus; and three great-grandchildren, Riley Spangenberg, Griffin Spangenberg and Harper Spangenberg.
He is also survived by his sister, Nancy Merinar, and many nieces and nephews.
David was born in 1939 to Casper and Sylvia Ross Kraus in Wheeling, W.Va.
David graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.S. in chemistry in 1961, where he played quarterback for Pitt. He went on to earn his M.D. in 1965 and continued for the next 10 years completing numerous residencies and fellowships to specialize in spinal surgery. He was a renowned spine surgeon and had a successful orthopedic practice in Pittsburgh at UPMC St. Margaret.
In addition to proudly serving the community through his medical practice, he also taught as a clinical associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh, and contributed countless papers and presentations in his field.
He was a member of American College of Spine Surgery, Scoliosis Research Society and Pennsylvania Orthopedic societies.
David loved his country and served as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Navy for three years.
David had an affinity toward designing and building unique spaces where his family could gather to laugh, learn and discover the outdoors with each other around fires, swimming pools and gazing at the ocean. His years in retirement were spent fulfilling his passions, building barns, making wine, tinkering on his tractors - all with the intention of spending time with his loved ones.
David was a lifelong learner, who instilled passion and character into those who were fortunate enough to know him. David was a selfless, creative, out-of-the-box-thinker, who devoted his time and talents to the gift of giving to his family, patients and friends.
KRAUS - Friends and family of Dr. David Ross Kraus, who died Monday, April 4, 2022, will be received for visitation from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday and from 2 to 5 p.m. Tuesday at R.D. COPELAND FUNERAL HOME, Irvine Chapel, 702 Beaver St., Sewickley.
In loving honor of Dr. Kraus, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
Please visit www.copelandfuneralhomes.com.