Submitted by: Mary Jo Koran

SBT 9/28/1978

Donald J. Konopinski

March 5, 1950 - September 27, 1978

KONOPINSKI ACCIDENTALLY ELECTROCUTED ON IND. 2

Donald J. Konopinski, 28, of 23740 State Road 2, was accidentally electrocuted about 4pm Wednesday at Rubin's Auto Parts, Inc., 23021 State Road 2.

Indiana State Police Trooper Bill Shepard said Howard Rubin, 31, the son of the owner, was attempting to park a crane on the lot and Konopinski was directing Rubin. Shepard said a boom cable on the crane came into contact with a 7200 volt Indiana & Michigan line at the same time that Konopinski touched the side of the crane with his hand.

Deputy coroner Dr. James McMeel said Konopinski died instantly.  He ruled the death accidental and the cause electrocution. Rubin was not injured. McMeel said he was apparently protected from grounding by the cab's rubber tires.

Konopinski was born on March 5, 1950, in Flint MI and lived in South Bend most of his life.  He was a mechanic at Rubin's Auto Parts, Inc. and the owner of Don's Auto Repair.  On October 10, 1970 in South Bend, he married Cheryl LaFree.  She survives with a daughter, Nichole and a son, John, both at home; two sisters, Sue Konopinski and Mrs. Judy Maciulski, both of South Bend; a brother, Gary of Lima OH, and his mother and step father, Louise and Macario Soto.

Services will be at 11am Saturday at the St Joseph Funeral Home.  Rev. F. Thomas Lallak, pastor of St Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, will officiate.  Burial will be in Southlawn Cemetery. 

Friends may call from 7 to 9pm today and from 7 to 9pm Friday at the funeral home where the rosary will be recited at 7pm Friday.  Konopinski was a member of the South Bend Speedway Club.

SBT 9/29/1978

Funeral Notes

Services for Donald J. Konopinski, 28, of 23740 State Road 2, will be at 11am Saturday at the St Joseph Funeral Home where friends may call from 7 to 9pm today and where the rosary will be recited at 7pm.  He was accidentally electrocuted on Wednesday.  Among survivors are a half sister, Sue Soto of South Bend and a half brother, Gary Stansbury of Lima OH