Bernard Barich

Bernard G. Barich (Bernie) of Ely, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2025 at Carefree Living in Babbitt. Bernie was born in Ely on November 18, 1940, to Frances and George Barich and was a lifelong Ely resident.
Bernie attended Ely Memorial High School, graduating in 1958. He continued his education at Ely Junior College and then UMD earning a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education.
On June 22nd, 1963, he married his wife of 62 years, Kathleen Meglen.
Bernie went on to teach at Babbitt, Section Thirty, and Ely schools for 36 years.
He was a hard worker, supporting his family working summer jobs at Mike Motors and as an agent for Farmers Insurance.
He was an accomplished accordion player and cherished his time entertaining people all over the Iron Range with his brothers John and George, and friends Jerry Fink and Mike Weinzierl in the Barich Brothers polka band.
After his retirement from teaching, Bernie loved to travel with Kathy, pulling his camper to Arizona, Florida, and Texas. He also loved spending time with his family at the home he built on Bear Island Lake.
Bernie will be forever remembered as a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend.
Bernie is survived by wife Kathy; daughter, Beth Marolt, Jim Marolt; sons Bernie (Tami) Barich, Jim (Julie) Barich; five grandchildren Alex (Nicole) Marolt, Emily Marolt, Anne Barich, Andrew Barich, Ben Barich; and one great grandchild Greyson Marolt; sisters-in-law Helen Jean (Tom), Marie (Jerry) and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Bernie was preceded in death by sisters: Annie, Mary, and Sophie; and brothers George, Albert, and John.
Funeral services will be held December 2, 2025 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Ely at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior.
Family arrangements have been entrusted to Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.