Michah Anton Yates

Michah was raised in St. Paul where he spent his youth excelling in sports, actively participating in church ministry as a drummer and vocalist, practicing artistic interests through drawing, painting, and writing poems, and developing a budding passion for the culinary arts. An ulcerative colitis diagnosis in his early 20s presented many life challenges, but Michah was always determined to live life to the fullest--his way. He became a devoted husband, joined a rock band, created art and music, fostered an online gaming community-shout out to The Gr8 Nation-occasionally traveled, and hosted many parties where he frowned upon people bringing anything but themselves. One of his love languages was bringing people together for fun and fellowship, expecting nothing in return. Throughout his cancer fight, he continued to persevere in life doing these things he loved without complaint.

Michah was intentional about appreciating the simple things in life and taking nothing for granted. In what would be his final days, he asked for a party just to bring people together-only this time would he allow people to bring food, of course. He didn't get this final earthly party, but we trust he is having THE GR8TEST party in heaven, pain free!

Michah's quiet yet strong faith in Jesus Christ sustained him through every trial in this life and gave him hope for an eternal future free of pain. It is because of this faith that we can rejoice and picture him running fast again, no longer suffering in his new heavenly body. It is our hope that all would find this peace in Jesus Christ to navigate the storms of this life, as Michah did. He will be sorely missed by so many, most by his loving wife whom he loved with ALL his being.

He is survived by his best friend of 24 years and wife of more than 20 years, Ama Yates; parents, Jack Clifford Yates Sr. and Paula Faye Yates; siblings, Paulita (Scott) Todhunter, Jack Clifford Yates Jr., and Erik (Candace) Yates; and a host of loving aunties, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, friends and adopted family around the U.S.

A heartfelt thank you is extended to the medical team at Regions Cancer Care Center who followed Michah's cancer journey from beginning to end. The outpouring of support and care the team showed us, especially in the last weeks of Michah's life, was above and beyond what we could ever imagine from a healthcare provider. They truly became our family. And we cannot forget our new friends at Our Lady of Peace Hospice & Home Care, who provided the most tender care to Michah in his final weeks.

Services will be held on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Simple Traditions by Bradshaw, 488 Humboldt Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55107: visitation to begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 12:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Michah's memory to the Colon Cancer Coalition at https://coloncancercoalition.org/

 2 Timothy 4:7: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."