It is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news that Barry Allan Miller of Int’l Falls, MN fell asleep in death peacefully with his wife, family and close friends by his side at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth, MN on July 2, 2021 following a massive stroke.
Barry was born on September 16, 1961 in Int’l Falls, MN to “Bing” & Alice Miller. He is survived and will be missed by his wife of 35 years, Cheryl Miller; daughters: Sarah (Jon) Payton; Jessica Kubat (Tom Pelland); his cherished grandchildren: Nicholas, Ayla, Leya, Gracie, Graham, and Boe. He is also survived by his brother William (Dee) Miller of Florida; Uncle Lloyd & Aunt May Arveson of Int’l Falls, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, best friend and partner in crime: Ralph Ruelle, along with his bowling kids, his many dear friends, and buddies, way too numerous to mention, but none the less loved just the same.
He was preceded in death by his son, Joshua Kubat, and his parents “Bing” & Alice Miller; and aunts & uncles: Frank & Ellen Urban; Julius & Gerta Urban, all of Int’l Falls. Barry graduated from Falls High School in 1979, and went on to work as a District supervisor for Tom Thumb food markets in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He came “home” to Int’l falls with his wife, Cheryl, in 1992 to take care of his mother. While doing so, he worked at Sheridan Motors as a general manager, and started a family-based insurance business with his wife, Cheryl. He joined her later as a partner in the agency. That is what Barry did, but it was WHO Barry WAS and his love for people that really shined through to everyone he knew. Barry had a gift of giving each person specialized love and attention. His qualities of genuine love, true fellow feeling, mixed with a strong sense of justice, heartfelt kindness, and patience was all wrapped up in his warm smile, robust infectious laugh, and big “Bear-man” hugs.
As anyone who ever came into contact with him would easily attest to, his true love was caring for people and enjoying life to the to the fullest. However, above all, his family was his greatest love, light, and joy, as you could often hear him talk about and look forward to spending as much quality time with them as possible. If you had the opportunity to know this man and have “The Bear-man” in your life, you would know he was Int’l Falls’ biggest “Teddy-bear”. He looked after the underdogs, being a support, confidant, cheerleader, coach, hero, and friend. Barry showed his love for his community in which he lived by volunteering his time and energy with all his spare time, and his whole heart. He had a passion for teaching and coaching as well. His bowling kids were his special pride and joy, as he loved every one of them in a very unique way. His Elks buddies were his community, his heart, his comrades, his place to “always have fun”, and where you could find him most of the time, singing, and dancing with his whole hearted fun-loving self.If Barry was your agent, he took time for you person-ally and made you feel like you were cared for and that your needs were important. Barry’s decision to be a donor before his death, also shows his big heart, and love of people. In addition to the people, he knew he was able to continue giving to others he didn’t know by providing hope and renewed life on a whole other level even after his death. He lives on. So, Barry’s memory, voice, laughter, kindness, justice, and hugs will continue to live on for many years to come in each and every person whom he touched in his own unique way. We very much look forward to the time when we will see him again.
An open house will be held at Green-Larsen Mortuary in International Falls, MN on Friday, July 23rd, 2021 from 12 pm-3 pm. There will be a “Celebration of Life” on September 17,2021 at the Elks Lodge with a time to be determined.To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Barry Allan Miller please visit our Sympathy Store.
