Michael John Heath

Michael John Heath, 58, passed away January 20, 2026 after 15 months of treatment for stomach cancer. True to form, he never complained and brought his trademark smile and kind eyes to the chemo chair every week.

Mikel, as he was known to family, was born May 13, 1967 to Bernice and Eugene Heath in St. Paul, Minnesota. The fourth of six kids, he loved getting under his siblings' skin, earning the label "agitator" from his mom. "Never let people know what bugs you because they will use it," he used to say. Let's be clear. HE would use it. Along with the kindness in his eyes was pure mischief, and we were lucky to be part of it.

Mikel graduated from Simley High School in Inver Grove Heights, MN in 1985 and joined the Air Force in 1986. He served as a mechanic mainly at Loring AFB in Maine and Andersen AFB on Guam, though the service also took him to Spain and Hawaii. He was recognized in performance reviews for his "initiative, aggressiveness, and ingenuity to undertake any task regardless of its complexity and to accomplish it with outstanding results." He was awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal for Meritorious Service for initiative and dedication that were "instrumental in his unit's overwhelming success supporting Operations Desert Shield/Storm and Fiery Vigil."

He returned home to Minnesota in 1991 and made his way back to aircraft, working for Signature, Northwest, and Delta.

Mike married Brie Arnold in 1999, and they had three great kids - Jake, Noah, and Ella - each of whom carries so much of their dad in them. Mikel lived for the kids. When they were young, he worked the early shift so he could be home in time to pick them up from school. He built them an ice rink in the backyard so they could skate and shoot and save pucks. He arranged his work schedule so he could make as many of their hockey, lacrosse, and baseball practices and games as possible. He was so proud of the people they've grown up to be and loved watching their lives unfold.

Mikel and Ronnie started dating in 2015 and spent as much time as they could enjoying live music, cold beer, warm fires, and quiet moments outside. They half-joked about being roadies or venue staff together in retirement, just to be close to the music.

We are all heartbroken at Mikel's passing but so grateful he can now rest easy.

To everyone at Delta, thank you for supporting and rallying for Mike. Your first fundraiser was on his second day of chemo, and your photos came through while he was in the chair. We can't tell you what a lift your support brought during those first heavy hours and throughout his treatment.

We are so grateful to the care team and office staff at M Health Fairview Cancer Center in Maplewood. Fatma, Marcie, Jennifer, Madison, we cannot thank you enough for your compassion, humor, and care. You helped soften hard days.

We are also profoundly grateful for Janie, Brian, Ann, Cherie, and Amy from Our Lady of Peace Hospice. Your care, connection, and support helped Mikel and all of us breathe in the final weeks and days. Thank you.

Mikel was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Bernice. He is survived by Jake, Noah, and Ella and their mother, Brie; his longtime partner, Ronnie, and her daughter Kieran; his siblings Cathy (Mike), Greg, James (Lisa), Dan (Dede), and Will; niece Madison; and nephews Scott, Brandon, Ryan, and Bailey.

Mikel didn't want a memorial service - "no fuss!" Instead, the family plans to hold an informal gathering sometime this spring for anyone who knew him. We'll post details on his Facebook and Instagram accounts in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, you can remember and celebrate Mike by doing any or all of his favorite things with the people you love: enjoy a Furious or a Hamm's, see live music, listen to and support The Current or your favorite public radio station, and maybe most of all, sit outside and take in the birdsong, sunshine, and that "refreshing" Minnesota chill.