Anthony L. Wadena, Sr., age 56, of Naytahwaush, MN, died on Thursday, March 31, 2016, at the Mahnomen Health Center in Mahnomen, MN.

Anthony Lee Wadena, the son of Darrell "Chip" and Bonnie (Londo) Wadena, was born on September 23, 1959 in Detroit Lakes, MN. He grew up in Naytahwaush and attended elementary school there. After graduating from Mahnomen High School in 1978, Tony attended vocational college where he was trained as an electrician. As a young man, he also worked for a time for Gordon Construction on a fencing crew. On July 19, 1986, Tony was united in marriage to Tammy Bush at the Full Gospel Church in Naytahwaush. They were blessed with three beautiful children and later five grandchildren. In 1991, Tony was elected as District 2 Representative for the White Earth Nation. He proudly served in office from 1991 until 1998 and was later re-elected and served another term from 2002 until 2006. Tony was employed as the night shift supervisor at the Center for Human Environment for many years and drove beet truck as well.   Since 2007, Tony has worked as the Youth Advocate at the Naytahwaush Charter School. His current job truly embraced his passion of helping youth. He had a huge heart and loved children, not only his own children and grandchildren, but also his nieces and nephews, neighborhood families, and all of the school children.

Tony often spearheaded youth events such as skiing, sledding, basketball, and Lacrosse trips. As the master jokester of the family, Tony loved April Fools Day. He was always joking around teasing those he loved. Tony was an avid baseball and softball player, even being named the White Earth King of Home Runs. Tony was loving known as "The Legend" of softball, a name he treasured still today. He also enjoyed ricing and leeching.

Tony is survived by his wife, Tammy; one son, Anthony Jr. (Tia); two daughters, Shawnah Wadena and Quin Bunker; five grandchildren: Anthony III, Misten, Amerie, Memphis, and Isaac; three brothers: Darrell Jr. "Smokey" (Michelle), Shannon "Sam" (Lisa), and David; three sisters, Ann (Mike) Brown, Tracy Wadena, and Serena Oppegard; and many extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bonnie and Chip; his mother in law, Delores Bush; two nieces, Michelle Brown and Lyssa Gordon, and many aunts, uncles, and other family members.

Funeral Services were held on Tuesday, April 5, 2016, at 11:00 am at the Naytahwaush Charter School in Naytahwaush, MN. Visitation was held on Monday, April 4, 2016, at Naytahwaush Charter School from 5 pm to 8 pm with a prayer service at 7:00 pm. Burial was held at Free Gospel Cemetery in Naytahwaush.