Anthony (Tony) John Jagunich, 56, of Eveleth died Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at St. Raphael’s Health & Rehabilitation Center surrounded by his loving family who will miss him dearly.

He was born on August 8, 1953 to Nicholas and Anne Jagunich, Sr. in Eveleth, Minnesota. He grew up on Adams Hill in Eveleth, playing baseball and hockey as a young boy. Tony was a graduate of Eveleth High School Class of 1971 and attended college in Alaska on a hockey scholarship. He went on to play semi-pro hockey for the Texaco team in Alaska. Later, he returned to Eveleth, leading a simple, solitary life. He had worked as a guard attendant for Eveleth Taconite at the Forbes Plant and also worked at the Eveleth Spur. Tony was an excellent guitar player and singer, entertaining his family and friends during his various visits. He has been known to have incredible luck catching fish, one of his favorite pastimes. Tony also enjoyed canoeing, was a collector of antique tools, and was a philosopher.

He is survived by his parents, Nicholas and Anne Jagunich, Sr.; siblings, Theresa Bozicevich (Scott Larson) of Champlin, Mn., Nicholas Jr. (Anne Weir) of Eveleth,Mn., Katherine (Jan) Horak of Tofte, Mn., Annette (Thomas) Klander of Cook, Mn., and Shari (Paul) Muhich of Eveleth, Mn.; nephews, Craig and Noah Horak, Adam (Christine) Jagunich, Cody Klander and Joshua, Matthew and Nathan Muhich; nieces, Jodi Klander and Mila Horak; great nephew, Koltyn Paul Lamke, great niece, Elizabeth Rose Jagunich, several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, many aunts and uncles, brother Paul Jagunich and infant nephews, Andrew and Joseph Muhich.

The family would like to thank the staff at St. Mary’s Hospital, Duluth and especially the staff at St. Raphael’s Health and Rehabilitation Center for their expert and compassionate care of Tony.

Memorial Mass will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 29, 2010 at Resurrection Catholic Church in Eveleth with Rev. Charles P. Flynn as officiant. Visitation will be one hour before the mass at the church. A reception will be held in the Holy Family Hall following the mass. Inurnment will be held at a later date in Eveleth Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Cron-Sheehy Funeral Home, Eveleth.