Albert (Al) John Reller, age 83, of Soudan, Minnesota died peacefully on Monday, October 5, 2026 with his loving wife MaryBeth (Williams) Reller at his side.

This big man came from small towns in Northern Minnesota, most notably Little Fork. It was in these towns that Al learned his love of performing, whether it was at the school, with his tuba, at the library, or on the stage. This love led him to study theatre arts at Bemidji State. He became a teacher, director, and coach for thousands of students over the years. He directed six star performances in the MSHSL one act competitions.

Al was one of those teachers in whom the outsider, the outcast, the weird student found refuge. His size and his wit were shield and sword for those students. Yet, even those with fuller foundations found Al a refuge at any time. He could cajole the best of students into a play, a speech, a book, or borrowing something for him.

Al had vision, maybe not his peripheral, but he had vision. As a director and set designer, he could create tableaus that captured meaning. As a gardener, he could see combinations that colored the sight. As a needlepoint crafter, he developed tapestries without any patterns. As a painter and drawer, his works whirled in lines and colors. Al had vision.

Al met MaryBeth in Hibbing while they were teaching and directing plays. These two odd atoms found each other and made a fantastic compound. They supported each other, They work the stage together. They knew each other's faults.

Al is survived by his wife of 44 years MaryBeth Williams; Sisters: Pat Runyon of Chändler, Az and Betty Ann Keys of Portland Or; Nephews: Bruce (Priscilla) Runyon of Chandler, Az and Jeff Runyon of Queen Creek, Az and countless family and friends

He is preceded in death by: parents Albert Sr and Violet; Twin Sons and In-Laws: Clarence and Edith Williams

A Memorial Service will be at 11:00a.m. on Saturday October 17, 2026 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tower. The visitation wilt begin one hour prior.

Family Services provided by Bauman-Vermi'ion, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Tower. To leave a remembrance online see