NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Rev. Robert Joseph Austgen, C.S.C., 91, died at Holy Cross House, Notre Dame, Ind. on August 16, 2024, after a short illness.
Fr. Robert Joseph Austgen, C.S.C., was born September 19, 1932, in Hammond, Indiana, to Robert and Christine (Frichtl) Austgen. He attended the University of Notre Dame from 1950 to 1955 and entered Moreau Seminary in 1952 before his sophomore year. He graduated from Notre Dame in 1955 with a degree in philosophy and went on to study theology at Gregorian University in Rome. He was ordained in November 1958 in Rome and received his doctorate in Sacred Theology from the University of Fribourg in Switzerland in 1963.
He taught at the University of Portland for a year before returning to the University of Notre Dame in 1964 as a faculty member in the Department of Theology. A specialist in New Testament ethics, Fr. Austgen published a book on “Natural Motivation in the Pauline Epistles.” In 1970, he was named Director of the University’s Summer Session at Notre Dame. He also directed the Office of Advanced Studies and was appointed Assistant Dean of the College of Arts and Letters in 1983. During his time at Notre Dame, he served as prefect of Pangborn Hall and Rector of Stanford Hall and Brownson Hall. In recent years he has served as chaplain for the university’s health services.
Fr. Austgen was preceded in death by his parents and brother, David Austgen. He is survived by his sister, Ann Baldinger of Niles, Michigan, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Wake is scheduled for Sunday, August 25, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. (EDT) at Sacred Heart Parish Center (next to Moreau Seminary) at Notre Dame. The Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, August 26, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. (EDT) at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Notre Dame, Indiana. You may also join us via live stream at https://funerals.holycrossusa.org
Burial will be in the community cemetery at Notre Dame. Kaniewski Funeral Home, South Bend, is in charge of the arrangements.
Memorial contributions in support of the mission and ministries of the Congregation of Holy Cross can be made to: United States Province of Priests and Brothers, Office of Advancement, P.O. Box 765, Notre Dame, IN 46556-0765 or online at https://donate.holycrossusa.org
