Barbara Bliss Kollar

Barbara Bliss Kollar passed away peacefully on September 22 at the Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely, MN.  Born February 16, 1922, Barbara was 102 and ½ years old.  She was born and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts – a community her ancestors founded in 1636.  She was a graduate of Russell Sage College and received her master’s degree from Springfield College.  Her career years were spent as a physical education instructor and then as Supervisor for Health, Safety and Physical Education in the public schools of Springfield.  She was even a coach for boys’ basketball and baseball during World War II.  Barb was a very active and athletic person who enjoyed ski teaching, tennis and other outdoor activities.  After retiring to Florida where she met her second husband, Roland Kollar, she joined a tennis club and helped her teammates win a state title in their age group.

She moved to Ely in 2017 to be near her daughter.  Barb enjoyed attending the “Tuesday Group” and playing bridge with her newfound friends.  Her guides for fishing and dogsledding claimed her as their oldest client ever.  She was also grateful for her many friends who visited and read to her as she lost her sight. 

Barbara is survived by her only child, Cynthia Miller and her son-in-law, Denis Miller (both of Ely), two grandsons - Cameron Miller (Claire) and Toller Miller (Kimberly) and six great-grandchildren – Joseph, Chloe, Lucy, Thomas, Lily and Whitten, and her niece, Carol Bliss.

Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home.

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