Mar.
22, 1937 - Sept. 22, 2009SOUTH BEND - Michael Kent Sain, 72, of South Bend, IN, passed away of natural causes at home on Tuesday morning, September 22, 2009. Michael was born in St. Louis, MO, on March 22, 1937, to Marie and Charles George Sain. He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Frances; sons, Patrick of Los Angeles, CA, and John (Alicia) of Livermore, CA; daughters, Mary of Chicago, IL, Barbara of St. Paul, MN, and Elizabeth of South Bend, IN; brother, Charles of Albuquerque, NM; and grandchildren Amira and Joseph of Livermore, CA. Michael found his greatest happiness sharing times with his family. He guided his children with wisdom and constant love, always gave encouragement and support, and lightened many occasions with his sense of humor. Michael's life-long spiritual devotion to Our Lady was fostered by his parents and shared with his wife, Frances. He made four pilgrimages to Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina, a place of special Marian devotion. He was active with Queen of Peace Ministries, the annual National Medjugorje Conference, and the weekly Respect for All Life Rosary at Christ the King parish. Michael, Freimann Professor of Electrical Engineering at the University of Notre Dame, was on the faculty for 44 years. He was an award-winning teacher, mentor and distinguished scholar in the field of feedback control systems, particularly in statistical control theory. He also made contributions to game theory, algebraic system theory, jet engine control, and the stabilization of buildings and bridges during earthquakes and strong winds. Highlights in his professional career include being named a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and receiving the IEEE Centennial Medal in 1984 for his contributions to control theory. For Michael, his work as an engineer and teacher was a deeply felt vocation. He cared about the people he encountered both personally and academically. His understanding of faith and his knowledge of engineering came together in an innovative way in his recent work uniting engineering and theology. Charitable donations may be sent to Queen of Peace Ministries, P.O. Box 761, Notre Dame, IN 46556, or to the Women's Care Center Foundation, 360 N. Notre Dame Ave. South Bend, IN 46617. A viewing will be held Sunday from 2 - 7 p.m. at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Dr., South Bend, IN. A rosary will be prayed at 4 p.m., followed by words of personal remembrance. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Monday, September 28, at Christ the King Catholic Church, South Bend, IN. Condolences can also be sent to MichaelRemembrance@yahoo.com.