FUNERAL SERVICES : 2:00 P.M. on Monday, February 27, 2012 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Brainerd, MN.VISITATION : 6-8:00 P.M. on Sunday, February 26, 2012 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Brainerd, MN and for one hour prior to the service on Monday.INTERMENT : Evergreen Cemetery, Brainerd, MinnesotaSURVIVORS : His wife, Nyla of Nevis; his two sons: Rickie Jr of Duluth and Christopher currently living in Chongqing, China; two brothers: Stanley David Gallant of Brainerd, MN and Michael (Sheila) Gallant of Lakeville, MN. RICKIE JOE GALLANTFebruary 18, 1946 " February 21, 2012 Rickie Joe Gallant, age 66 of Nevis, MN, passed away on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at the St. Joseph"s Hospital in Park Rapids, surrounded by his loved ones, following a valiant battle against cancer. Rick was born on February 18, 1946 in Brainerd, MN to Stanley and Vera (Englehart) Gallant. It was in Brainerd that he attended public schools and graduated from the Brainerd Senior High School with the Class of 1964. Rick went on to earn his bachelor"s degree from St. Cloud State University. On October 26, 1974, Rick was united in marriage to Nyla Renee Schmidt in Willmar, MN. He was blessed with two sons: Rickie Jr. and Christopher. The young couple made their home in St. Cloud where Rick worked as a corrections officer and later as a correctional case worker for the St. Cloud State Reformatory in a career that spanned over 18 years. He loved music and was an accomplished guitarist who had played lead guitar with several bands, including the Everly Brothers. In his spare time, Rick was a voracious reader and enjoyed rock collecting. In 1994, Rick moved with his family to the Nevis area where he and Nyla have made their home ever since. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Nyla of Nevis; his two sons: Rickie Jr of Duluth and Christopher currently living in Chongqing, China; two brothers: Stanley David Gallant of Brainerd, MN and Michael (Sheila) Gallant of Lakeville, MN; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Rick was preceded in death by both of his parents. Funeral services will be held 2 PM Monday, February 27, 2012 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Brainerd with the Reverend Hans Anderson officiating. The organist will be Erin Anderson. Interment at the Evergreen Cemetery in Brainerd, MN. Friends may call at the church from 6 to 8 PM Sunday and again on Monday beginning at 1 PM. A luncheon will be hosted by the church following the service.