Submitted by: Dan Rich

Joseph A. Braunsdorf Jr.

Dec. 2, 1939 – Dec. 30, 1972

South Bend Tribune 12-30-1972

A ruling of suicide has been made in the death of Joseph A. Braunsdorf Jr., 33, of 508 Chamberlain Dr., whose body was discovered about 6 a.m. today in his car in his garage while the engine of his car was running.

Deputy Coroner F. Dale Nelson said Braunsdorf died of carbon monoxide poisoning.  The body was discovered by his wife, Sandra, who told police her husband left their home earlier in a despondent mood. He was employed by the Michigan Electric Co. in Elkhart.  He was born Dec. 2, 1939, in South Bend. 

He was married Dec. 2, 1961, in South Bend to Sandra Scheiman.  Also surviving are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Braunsdorf Sr. of South Bend; and two sons, John and Joseph, both at home.

Friends may call from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at the McGann Funeral Home.  Services will be at 9 a.m. Tuesday in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Rev. Donald Guertin, C.S.C., pastor, officiating.  Burial will be in Highland Cemetery.  A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, in the funeral home.  He was a member of the Elk’s Lodge of Elkhart.