Joseph Edward Gallant, age 57 of Grand, Rapids, Minnesota died unexpectedly and peacefully in his sleep at home on November 8, 2012. After facing cancer and diabetes with courage, determination and faith, he was called to rest by his beloved Jesus Christ. Joe was a graduate of Greenway High School and earned a Bachelor Degree in piano performance from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, and a Master of Arts in Christian Studies and Pastoral Ministry from Grand Canyon University of Phoenix. He was currently pursuing a Doctoral degree in Pastoral Ministry at Argosy College. Joe earned certificates as United Methodist Church local church Lay Speaker and Dakota Conference Licensing School and Lay Ministry School. Joe was a compassionate, witty, beloved, creative, and multi-talented man. An accomplished pianist, he served as Music Director of the United Methodist Church in Grand Rapids for many years. He taught many students at his music studio and was a member and past board member of the Itasca Orchestral Society. He had recently begun serving as lay minister of the Methodist Churches in Nashwauk and Pengilly. He was a man of deep religious convictions, and will be greatly missed by the Church communities, his students, his family and many friends, as well as his beloved dog, Geoffrey and his cat, Al. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clement and Irene Gallant. He is survived by his sisters, Joelle Young, of the Villages, FL, Patricia Hinds, Hibbing, MN, and Frances Gallant, Grand Rapids; his nephews Michael Pintar and Greg Hinds, his nieces Michelle Brese, Cydney Neuenschwander, and Marisa Hinds, and their families.