Thomas “Barney” Hagberg

Barney was the third of four sons born to Axel and Liana (Anderson) Hagberg in Niagara, Wis., on Jan. 9, 1946. After graduation from Niagara High School, he entered the U.S. Army, serving his country in the Vietnam War.

After his release from the service, Barney met and married the “love of his life” Rosemary Leroux and they resided happily together in Kingsford until her death in 2008.

They particularly enjoyed entertaining friends and family with homemade raviolis and Italian sausage dinners or some BBQ delights nurtured under Barney’s watchful eye. Barney could often be seen tending the grill while enjoying one or more Brandy Manhattans.

Barney’s working career began at the Niagara Paper Mill followed by several years working for Dickinson Homes on the delivery team that placed the homes on owners’ foundations throughout Upper Michigan and Northern Wisconsin.

He completed his college education earning his bachelor’s degree by attending evening classes while working full time. He also was employed at the Iron Mountain Kingsford Credit Union for several years as an accountant while attending evening classes to earn his electrician’s license, which he utilized to do small side jobs in his spare time. After he left the credit union, Barney worked in the electrical trade until his retirement.

Thomas was actively involved as a lector and usher at American Martyrs Church, in the Elks, the Knights of Columbus and in the American Legion where he served in the Honor Guard for several years. Barney was blessed with a big smile, a booming voice and a huge heart of gold. It was said that when Barney whispered in church, the priest stopped the Mass.

He was a friend to everyone he met and would lend anyone a helping hand. He loved golf with his brother Herb and his buddies at Oak Crest in Norway, following the Green Bay Packers and the mighty Kingsford Flivvers.

Tom is survived by his brother, Russell Hagberg of Iron Mountain; his sister-in-law, Sharon Hagberg of Iron Mountain and New Port Richey, Fla.; his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Nancy Leroux of San Antonio, Texas, and Eveleth, Minn.; and several nieces and nephews who he and Rosemary loved like they were their children.

Besides his wife, Thomas was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, John and Louise Leroux; his brothers, Herbert (on Monday, April 14, 2025), and Roger Hagberg; his sister-in-law, Ruth Hagberg; and his sister and brother-in-law, Katherine (Leroux) and Leroy Johnson.

Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, April 24, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Kingsford Funeral Home, 1000 S. Carpenter Ave. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Monsignor Joseph Gouin at American Martyrs Church, 906 W. Sagola Ave. in Kingsford on Thursday at 11 a.m., with a luncheon and burial at Iron Mountain Cemetery Park to follow.

The Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50 will conduct military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.

Condolences to the family of Thomas “Barney” Hagberg may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.