Person:Amos Macha (1)

From the December 27, 1948, edition of the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune

Asphyxiation Suspected in Macha Death

The body of Amos W. Macha, 43, 1041 Lincoln street, was found Sunday noon in the garage at his home. Indications were that death had been caused by asphyxiation from carbon monoxide gas, but an autopsy ordered to ascertain definitely the cause of death.

Macha had been working Sunday morning in the closed double garage, and greasing implements and other tools were found near the truck. The ignition switch of the vehicle was turned on, police said, but the motor was not running at the time the body was found.

Police Chief R.J. Exner and Dr. H.G. Pomainville, county coroner, were called to investigate the death and announced this morning that they were awaiting a report on laboratory examinations before making a definite statement as to the cause of death.

Found by Housekeeper

The body was discovered about 12:20 Sunday afternoon when Mrs. Julia Whitrock, Macha's housekeeper, went to the garage to call him for dinner.

As she opened the overhead door, the body fell forward out of the garage. The city ambulance was called, and after artificial respiration failed to revive the man, a call was placed for the oxygen inhalator. The efforts proved fruitless, however.

Mrs. Whitrock told police that Macha had left the house after breakfast to tend to the fire at a neighbor's home. He returned about 10:30 that morning, she said, and went into the garage. This was the last time she saw him alive.

In the garage, police found that the hood of the truck had been raised and that a pair of pliers was lying on the fender. The vehicle had been freshly greased and a grease gun and wrench were lying near the rear of the vehicle.

Police speculated that Macha may have noticed the fumes from the truck and attempted to open the door of the garage but was overcome before he could do so.

A pathologist's report on the cause of death was expected within a few days, Dr. Pomainville said.

Funeral Wednesday

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 Wednesday afternoon at the Pittsville Community hall with the Rev. C.A. O'Neill of Nekoosa officiating. Interment is to take place in Mound cemetery at Pittsville.

Mr. Macha was born at McGregor, Ia., on July 10, 1905, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Macha. He came to Pittsville with his parents in 1921, and married Clara Kumm there on June 4, 1925. They resided at Pittsville until 1940 when they moved to Decorah, Ia., returning to take up residence in Wisconsin Rapids in 1943. Mrs. Macha died on January 4, 1946. One daughter also preceded the father in death.

On March 1, 1948, he established the Tri-City Oil company in this city.

Surviving are two sons, Alex, town of Grand Rapids, and Earl, at home; one daughter, Elaine, at home; five brothers, Fred, San Luis Obispo, Cal.; Vance, New Hampton, Ia.; Ernest, Corwith, Ia.; Lad, Mabel, Minn.; and Edward, Pittsville; one sister, Mrs. Alex Fechhelm, Marshfield, and one grandchild.

he was a member of the local aerie of Eagles.

Friends may pay their respects at the Baker mortuary until 10 o'clock Wednesday morning and at Pittsville Community hall from noon until time of services.