Dr. Anthony R. Baraga M.D.

Dr. Anthony R. Baraga, M.D.

Age 86 of Side Lake, MN, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025. He was born on May 26, 1939, in Chisholm, MN to Anton and Sylvia Baraga. He graduated from Chisholm High School in 1957 and attended college at Michigan College of Mining and Technology and the University of Minnesota, where he earned his bachelor's degree. He went on to receive his medical degree at the University of Minnesota in 1965 and completed his residency in Diagnostic Radiology at United Hospital in 1978. He began his medical career in General Practice and Surgery at Adams Clinic in Hibbing and Chisholm and then went on to practice Radiology at the University Medical Center – Mesabi in Hibbing, where he was president of Medical Imaging North. He served as Chief of Staff and was on the Board of Directors at University Medical Center. He also served on numerous boards and commissions in northern Minnesota. His passion for education led him back to his beloved University of Minnesota where he served on the Board of Regents from 1999 to 2011 and as Chair from 2005 to 2007. He was always proud of his father’s service in the Army during World War II, inspiring him to serve in the Army National Guard, where he achieved the rank of Captain. Growing up in northern Minnesota, Tony developed a love of the great outdoors, becoming a renowned hunter and fisherman. This passion sparked many adventures around the world with some of his closest friends. He was happiest though at one of his “shacks” in northern Minnesota or the Florida Keys. He was also an avid gardener with many at Side Lake benefiting from his green thumb as he was the tomato whisperer. Tony was a man of many talents, guided by the pursuit of knowledge and the need to serve others. He became a pilot, flying to many remote fishing spots including the Arctic Circle as well as to clinics and hospitals in northern Minnesota to bring his radiology services where needed. Tony was able to experience so many wonderful things in his life, but the most meaningful to him was his relationship with and impact on others. The love and mentorship he shared with so many others is the true legacy he leaves behind. Many people over the years have remarked “Dr. Baraga delivered me” or “he inspired me to become a doctor” or “he taught me so many things”. He truly was an example and driving force for his kids, grandkids, and the many who were fortunate to have known him. While he earned the title of The Honorable Dr. Anthony Baraga, he was also Tony, the guy who would come help you fix your mower or visit a friend in the nursing home or whip up a new recipe together, always with his quick wit and sense of humor. He always had high expectations of those he loved, the loving heart to embrace you if you fell short of those expectations, and the wisdom to guide you forward. He gave his children love, roots, and most importantly, wings. Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Sylvia, sister Sandra Schwegman and her husband John, wife, Bobbie, and sister-in-law Mary Madzey. He is survived by his wife, Joanne Baraga, his children, Mark (Jeanne), Toni Baraga-Samson (Serafin), Dr. Joseph (Alicia), and Kathleen Persian (Steve); grandchildren, Joseph Baraga, Dr. Sophie Samson and Anthony Samson, Randi Holloway (Jeremy), Alex, Toni and Samantha Baraga, Major Ben Persian (Riley) and Sam Persian; great-grandchildren Tatum and Willow Baraga; siblings Dr. David Baraga, Angel (Terry) Marolt, and Debbie (Greg) Vidmar, sister-in-law, Margery (Daniel) Ellefson, special niece Susan Ellefson, and as well as many nieces, nephews, family and friends. We would like to thank the staff at The Pillars of Grand Rapids for their compassionate care during his time there. Memorials preferred to Hospice Support Foundation, Grand Rapids St. Croix Branch 1001 S Pokegama Ave D, Grand Rapids, MN 55744. A celebration of Tony’s wonderful life will be on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 113 4th St. SW, Chisholm, MN 55719. Visitation at 10:30 with Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00. Pallbearers will be Dan Vidmar, David Vidmar, Joe Vidmar, Ben Persian, Sam Persian and Anthony Samson. Honorary pallbearers will be, Jeff Perrella, Terry Scinto, Dick Enrico, Terry Marolt, Dr. Dan Vechell, Gary Koski, Dan Koski, Gauge Koski and Joseph Anthony Baraga. Interment will be at the Chisholm Cemetery. Mid-Range Honor Guard will accord military honors.