Submitted by Dan Rich

Andrew Weinkauf

Dec. 29, 1878 – Oct. 16, 1941

South Bend Tribune 10/17/1941

Apparently mistaking a can of drain cleaning fluid for soup, Andrew Weinkauf, aged 62, of 707 East Fourth street, Mishawaka, who was almost totally blind, poisoned himself Thursday night and died at 3:25 a.m. today in St. Joseph hospital from sulphuric acid burns in his throat and stomach and from shock.

According to Dr. T. C. Goraczewski, coroner, death was accidental and resulted from Mr. Weinkauf taking the cleaning liquid from a shelf on which there were several cans of soup, as he prepared his evening meal.

Mr. Weinkauf resided with a brother, John Weinkauf, but decided to prepare his evening meal before the latter returned home from work about 5 p.m. Thursday.  He opened the can which he believed to be soup the coroner said, mixed it with water and put it on the stove to warm it.  A few minutes later he swallowed a tablespoonful of the liquid to test its warmth and immediately realized his mistake, according to information given to Dr. Goraczewski.  Mr. Weinkauf’s brother arrived home a few minutes later and summoned a doctor, who ordered Andrew removed to the hospital.  According to the coroner, Mr. Weinkauf was in severe pain until the time of his death.

Mr. Weinkauf’s sight had been failing for more than a year.  He was a lifelong resident of Mishawaka and until his retirement a few years ago had been employed in the Dodge Manufacturing plant.  He also had been employed at the Mishawaka Rubber and Woolen Manufacturing company plant for 19 years.

Mr. Weinkauf was born in Mishawaka, Dec. 29, 1878.

Surviving are two sisters; Mrs. Paul Knoblock, of Mishawaka, and Mrs. Junie McGarity, of Elkhart, Ind., and his brother, with whom he lived.

Friends may call at the Trulley chapel in Mishawaka until the funeral services at 9 a.m. Monday in St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic church, Mishawaka.  Rev. George Lauer, pastor, will officiate and burial will be in St. Joseph’s cemetery, Mishawaka.