Obituary of Tony Milan Barden

Tony Milan Barden passed away on Aug 20, 2021, at age 65, in Oro Valley, Arizona surrounded by children Belinda & Amanda. Tony was born in Willmar, Minnesota on November 1, 1955. He was the son of Arlene Klosterboer and Milan Barden.

Tony was a proud graduate from West High School in 1973. Tony’s lifelong career was at the Star & Tribune Newspaper in Minneapolis, as a Journeyman Pressman. He also spent time owning and operating a deck business in Medina, MN, where he lived most of his life.

Tony enjoyed riding his bike throughout the Three Rivers Park district and around Lake Calhoun. He loved cars, and even rebuilt a Model A into a street rod. He enjoyed tinkering in the garage and working on projects around the house. He traveled extensively around the U.S. and loved looking at Real Estate. He spent a lot of time in Hawaii often on the beach with a margarita in hand; Fishing in Seattle, WA annually with friends and family, and resided in Clearwater, Florida for a short stint before finally deciding to settle down in Arizona in 2021.

His life would seem too short by many, but those who were touched by him understood the quality of his existence far exceeded the quantity of time in which one lives.

Tony is survived by his two daughters, Belinda Barden of Carlsbad, California and Amanda Barden of San Tan Valley, Arizona; his sister, JoAnn (Chris) Eagen; his brother, Mark (Carol) Barden; and other nieces, nephews, family members and friends.

He was very loved and will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his mother, Arlene; father, Milan; and brother Keith. A Celebration of Life will be held on a later date in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Spring/Summer of 2022.

Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there, I do not sleep I am a thousand winds that blow I am the diamond glints in snow I am the sunlight on ripened grain I am the gentle autumn rain When you awaken in the morning’s hush, I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft star that shines at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there; I did not die. – Clare Harner