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Bernard Barich Obituary
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; 5 grandchildren Alex (Nicole) Marolt, Emily Marolt, Anne Barich, Andrew Barich, Ben Barich; and 1 great grandchild Greyson Marolt; sisters - in - law Helen Jean (Tom), Marie (Jerry) and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Bernie was proceeded 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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bernard Barich
Janice (Rosandich) Piechowski
December 2, 2025
Bernie was a great friend from little kids on. I remember riding down the hill on his bobsled . A lot of good memories.
John R. Sandstrom
November 30, 2025
I was fortunate to have Bernie as a teacher in Section 30 school in his first year of teaching while I was in fifth grade. He was my teacher for two years.
He was a great teacher, always upbeat and I still remember him entertaining us with his accordion.
As the years went by, Bernie became a great friend of me and my parents. My mother taught with him at Section 30 and she and Bernie were great friends.
Bernie was a friendly, kind, and enthusiastic person. I treasure his friendship and I am happy that he is in God' presence. Kathy and family; I am very sorry for your loss. My family and I will keep you in our prayers.
Richard Loisel
November 29, 2025
So sorry to hear of the loss of a childhood friend. I will always remember Bernie and his music. Also the bobsled we rode on together.
Richard Loisel
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Steve Klun
November 29, 2025
I always liked and thought very highly of Bernie,.....
I hadn´t seen him in a long time,.....
Reading this today leaves a certain absence in my heart,....
RIP Bernie
Gary Morris Finland, MN
November 27, 2025
My last time playing accordion with Bernie was at "Gino's Fish Fry", with Doc and my brother....... a great time, listening to Bernie play.....I will miss Bernie!
Gail L Ostrander, RN, MS MBA, FACHE(r)
November 26, 2025
I had the privilege of being Mr. Barich's student at JFK School in Ely. He pushed me to grasp the concepts of algebra, providing encouragement and discipline. Math suddenly became'easy'. He approached teaching with warmth and kindness with tremendous clarity. The foundation he provided guided me to several graduate degrees and leadership roles. Mr. Barich was instrumental at a time in my life that was challenging. His gifts live on in myself and others fortunate to have him as a teacher. My heartfelt gratitude to his family and friends.
Tom Van Etta
November 25, 2025
A great teacher and a very nice man, he really cared about his students. My condolences to the Barich family.
Mary Ann Pauling
November 25, 2025
I will remember Bernie as a truly friendly and happy person. Pleasant to be around. So sorry for his passing...
Nada Voss
November 22, 2025
Nasvidenje Dear Bernie and thank you for all the good times polka you played for us!! You will forever stay in our hearts.
Love, Bob and Nada
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