Robert Pierce Sedlack, Jr.

Robert P. Sedlack, Jr., 47, South Bend, IN, died on May 30, 2015, in his home. Born in Greencastle, IN, he was the son of Robert and Ellen Sedlack. In 1999, he married Theresa Barnhart at Holy Name Cathedral, Chicago. Robert attended Miller Elementary School and Greencastle High School. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Notre Dame in 1989 and his Master of Fine Arts from Indiana University (Bloomington) in 1993. From 1993 to 1998, he worked at several design firms in Chicago, primarily at Gerhardt and Clemons. Returning to Notre Dame in 1998, Robert taught graphic design with an emphasis on the power of design to inspire social justice. For his teaching, research, and outreach, he was awarded several honors from Notre Dame, including the Alumni Association's Rev. Anthony J. Lauck, CSC, Award, the Center for Social Concerns' Rodney F. Ganey, Ph.D. Faculty Community-Based Research Award, the College of Arts & Letters' Sheedy Excellence in Teaching Award, and the University's Presidential Award. Shortly before his death he became a full professor in the Department of Art, Art History, and Design. Robert's survivors include his parents, Robert and Ellen; wife, Theresa; daughter, Emma Catherine; son, Robert Pierce III (Trey); sister, Catherine Hayek (Thomas); niece and nephew, Ellen and Thomas Hayek, Jr.; father-in-law Daniel P. Barnhart, Jr. Visitation will be held at Sacred Heart Basilica, Notre Dame, on Wednesday, June 3, 4:00-6:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be said by Fr. Tom Doyle at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, June 4. Burial will take place in Cedar Grove Cemetery on the Notre Dame campus. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to the University of Notre Dame with memo "Graphic and Industrial Design Alumni Fund" or payable to either the Emma Sedlack UTMA or Trey Sedlack UTMA c/o HBK Wealth Management, Attn: Mary Herrington, 9360 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242. Kaniewski Funeral Home, South Bend, IN is handling arrangements. To send online condolences, please visit www.kaniewski.com.