Submitted by: Dan Rich
Apr. 17, 1940 –July 9, 1940
South Bend Tribune 7/10/1940
A mother’s concern for her baby inadvertently cost the child’s life Tuesday night. The victim was Karl Henry Braunsdorf, 11-week old son of Dr. and Mrs. Robert Braunsdorf, 1021 E. Madison street, newcomers in South Bend. He was fatally hurt about 6 o’clock when a car driven by Mrs, Braunsdorf, 26, crashed into a utility pole in front of 1325 E. McKinley Avenue. He died at 7:50 p.m. is St. Joseph Hospital from a skull fracture and possible internal injuries, according to Dr. Donald Grillo, county coroner.
Mrs. Braunsdorf suffered a nose injury, severe lacerations of the left leg and cuts and bruises about the body. St. Joseph Hospital attaches reported her condition today to be fairly good.
According to police, Mrs. Braunsdorf was driving east on McKinley avenue at a moderate speed and apparently took her eyes off the roadway momentarily to look at the child beside her in the front seat, causing her to lose control of the car. The car traveled over the left curb and crashed into the pole.
The child was born in Jackson, Mich., April 17, and came to South Bend with the parents from that city two weeks ago. Surviving are the parents. Friends may call in the McGann chapel. The funeral will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday in St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church with Rev. Wendell P. Corcoran CSC, pastor officiating. Burial will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery.