In Memory of Theodore Yates, Jr. (Ted)

Theodore T. Yates, Jr. (Ted), age 75, of Isanti, Minnesota passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 24, 2026.  Memorial services will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Long Lake Lutheran Church, located at 3921 277th Ave NW, Isanti, Minnesota 55040. Visitation will take place from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., followed by the service at 3:00 p.m.  Military Honors will be provided by the Isanti VFW.  The family warmly invites you to join them for luncheon and refreshments following the service.

Ted was born October 17, 1950, in Minneapolis, Minnesota and graduated from Anoka High School in 1969.

Ted proudly served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War from 1970 to 1971. He later continued his military career in the Army Reserves and the Minnesota National Guard, serving as a winter survival instructor at Camp Ripley and completing assignments in Alaska, Norway, and Germany. After decades of service, he retired in 1996. Coming from a family with a long tradition of military service dating back to the Civil War, Ted was especially proud that this legacy continued through his son, daughter, son-in-law, and grandson.

After returning to Minnesota, Ted worked as a semi-truck driver and enjoyed farming, gardening, hunting, spending time outdoors, and fellowship at church. He found peace in nature and had a lifelong love of photography, capturing memories of his service, family, and the outdoors.

Ted was married to Catherine L. Chamberlain in 1970 for 12 years. He is survived by his children: Anne (Dallas) Andersen, Jeremy, Jason (Jennifer), Melinda (Joel) Nelson, and Jim (Karen) Peterson; along with three stepchildren, Jessica, Kelly, and Brian; 15 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren; and three siblings, Debbie, Linda (Denny) Elliot, and Gary. He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore T. Yates, Sr. and Betty Evans; his son, Teddy; and his nephew, Charlie.