Submitted by: Dan Rich
Rev. Anthony J. Lauck, CSC
Dec. 30,1908 - April 12, 2001
South Bend Tribune 4/15/2001
Rev. Anthony J. "Tony" Lauck, CSC, 92, died in the Holy Cross House, Notre Dame, Ind., at 3:40 p.m. on Thursday, April 12, 2001. He had been in failing health over the last few months. Father Lauck was born in Indianapolis, Ind., on Dec. 30, 1908, the son of the late Anthony P. and Marie E. (Habig) Lauck. He attended Sacred Heart Elementary and High Schools in Indianapolis. He then began his lifelong career in art and sculpture by attending the John Herron Art School in Indianapolis, receiving his professional level diploma in fine arts in 1936.
Father Lauck entered Holy Cross seminary as a postulant and went to the Novitiate at Rolling Prairie, Ind., in 1937. After his first profession on Aug. 16, 1938, he went to Moreau Seminary and attended the University of Notre Dame, earning his bachelor's degree in philosophy in 1942. He made his perpetual profession of religious vows at Sacred Heart Church on Aug. 16, 1941. Then he studied theology at Holy Cross College in Washington, D.C., from 1942-1946. On June 24, 1946, he was ordained to the priesthood at Sacred Heart Church, Notre Dame, by the Most Reverend John F. Noll, D.D., Bishop of Fort Wayne, Ind.
Following ordination he continued advanced studies in sculpture, receiving a Certificate for Sculpture from the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, D.C., in 1948. He continued his study of sculpture at the Art Students League, Columbia University, State University of New York, the Cranbrook Academy and Alfred University, working with distinguished artists Carl Milles, Ivan Mestrovic, Oronzio Maldarelli, Heinz Warneke, Richard Lahey, Julian Levi and Hugo Robus. In 1949-50 he made an extensive study tour of the European museums before beginning a long and illustrious career in the Art Department at the University of Notre Dame.
From 1950 until his retirement in 1973 he lived at Moreau Seminary and taught at the University of Notre Dame. He served as Assistant Superior of Moreau Seminary from 1950-1958, and was chairman of the Art Department at Notre Dame from 1960-1967. He also served as director of the University Gallery at Notre Dame and was artist-in-residence for many years. In 1980 he received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from the University of Notre Dame. In retirement he continued his art work while residing at Moreau Seminary until he moved to Holy Cross House in 1998 due to failing health.
A distinguished and decorated artist he received many awards and prizes for his work. Most notable of his many works are the stained glass windows in the chapel and library of Moreau Seminary, the statue of Our Lady of the University which graces the entrance of the University of Notre Dame and the statue of Blessed Brother Andre Bessette, CSC, in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Notre Dame. Father Lauck is survived by one brother, John H. Lauck (Mary Ann) of Indianapolis; a sister, Mrs. Agnes Lauck Darko of Vista, California; and by 20 nieces and nephews.
A wake service will be held at Moreau Seminary, Notre Dame, Ind., at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, April 16. Visitation in the seminary chapel will begin at 3:30 p.m. on Monday. The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Notre Dame, at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 17, 2001. Burial will follow at the Community Cemetery at Notre Dame. The Kaniewski Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.