Submitted by: Jeannie Kowalik

The South Bend Tribune, Saturday, May 1, 1928

Front page news in South Bend Tribune - John Kowalik is victim of death highway. Coroner Gives Verdict of Death From Concussion of the Brain.  Death highway, that sector of state road No 20 to the west of South Bend, claimed another victim today, when John Kowalik, age 31, of 745 South Warren Street, died about 2 a.m. in St. Joseph Hospital of injuries received Saturday morning in an automobile accident.

Dr. Carl C. Relfeis, St. Joseph county coroner, who is investigating, announced the cause of death as a concussion of the brain. The victim also received a fracture of the left leg in the accident.

Others also injured.

The accident happened on US Hwy No 20 at a point about 14 miles west of South Bend and in Laporte county about 5 o'clock in the morning. A car in which Mr Kowalik and two companions were enroute to Michigan City, Ind, collided with a truck. Kowalik's companions Edwin Wyroslak, age 38, of 1219 West Sample Street and Andrew Czarnecki, age 32, of 307 South Olive street, escaped with minor injuries.

Mr Kowalik was born in Poland April 28, 1898 and came to this city 16 years ago. Surviving him are his widow, Frances; his mother, Mrs. Frances Kowalik; one son, Eugene; one daughter, Wanda, and one brother, Anthony.  Funeral services will be held at St. Adalbert's Roman Catholic church at 9 o'clock, Rev. John Osadnik, the pastor, officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph's cemetery. The body may be viewed at the residence.