Dr. Joseph F. Baron

Joseph was born on November 18, 1933, in Allen Park, a son of the late Joseph and Anna (Kicak) Baron.

He attended St. Francis Xavier High School in Ecorse, graduating in 1951. He studied medicine at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, earning his medical degree with the class of 1968.

Following an internship at McLaren General Hospital in Flint, Joseph and his family moved to Laurium, where he began his medical practice of 30 years.

Joseph married Florence Marie Gignac on June 19, 1954, at St. James Church in Ferndale. They made their home in Ann Arbor until his graduation from medical school.

Joseph is survived by Florence, his beloved wife of 62 years; daughters, Lorri (Rick) Oikarinen of Calumet, Annette Baron (Pete Kahn) of Ann Arbor, Evelyn (Steve) Sommerlot of Lansing; son, Joseph of Evanston, Illinois; daughter-in-law, Mary Rastello Baron of Laurium; brother, Thomas Baron of Rotunda West, Florida; grandchildren, Eric, Joel, and Kara Oikarinen, Madeline (Jessey) Poissant, Henry Baron, Mark, Andrew, Steve (Renee), and Laura Sommerlot; great-grandson, Frederick Baron Poissant; his nephew and godson, James (Clemencia); and grand-niece, Donnamarie Richmond of Naples, Florida; other much-loved nephews, nieces, cousins and many close friends.

Joseph was preceded in death by a daughter, Cecilia Baron (1985); a son, Richard Baron (2013); sisters, Josephine Conway, Virginia Halpin, Lillian Baron and Elaine McLaughlin; and a brother, Lawrence Baron.

Joseph enjoyed the outdoors of the Keweenaw. He listened to all types of music and was especially fond of polkas, marches, Viennese waltzes and early country music. He enjoyed studying geology, histor and literature. Joseph was an accomplished writer and storyteller.

His favorite place in the world was the little log cabin he and his sons built from scratch on a ravine outside of Laurium. Here, he and Florence would make brief escapes to enjoy the rustle of aspen leaves and the spectacular fall colors.

Dr. Baron’s range of medical expertise was extraordinary. He delivered babies, assisted in surgery, acted as deputy medical examiner and made many house calls.

In 1992, he was awarded the Frederick and Bessie Plesner Memorial Award from the Michigan State Medical Society as a physician who best exemplifies the practice of a rural country practitioner.

Following his retirement, he maintained his credentials through professional education courses and kept his medical license current into 2015. Dr. Baron found great joy in his medical career. He was grateful and honored to care for and learn so much from his patients.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family suggests donations to the Keweenaw Health Foundation at Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital, 205 Osceola Street, Laurium, 49913, the hospital one of his young grandchildren once described as, “where Grandpa lives.”

A memorial service will be held in Naples, Florida.

A funeral mass will take place at Sacred Heart Church in Calumet at a date in September to be announced. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Calumet.

The Naples Funeral Home and the Ryan Funeral Home in Calumet are assisting the family with arrangements.