Dr. William Joseph "Joe" Reed

June 27, 1958—January 12, 2024

Joe was born June 27, 1958 in St. Paul to Sonny and Lola Reed.  He attended St. Agnes Grade School and High School, graduating from St. Agnes High School in 1976, where his love of music was sparked.  It was in choir that Joe first noticed Michelle Enney in the soprano section, and their love story began.  Joe also participated in track, football, and theater.

Joe and Michelle were married in 1983.  After a number of years in the work force Joe earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at the  University of St. Thomas in 1987, graduating cum laude.  He earned his Masters of Music in 1991 and Doctor of Musical Arts degree in 2007 from the University of Minnesota.  He also held the Certificate of Vocal Pedagogy from the University of Minnesota.

Joe performed with many area arts organizations, including CORO!, Opera 101 Theater Company, North Star Opera, Anoka Opera, Minnesota Opera, and Northland Opera Theater. He had a number of leading opera roles to his credit, including Afio in Cavalleria Rusticana, and played all four of the villains in Tales of Hoffmann.

Music was in every aspect of Joe’s life.  Mention a city and Joe would sing a song with that city’s name.  Sweetly Sings The Donkey was one of his favorite songs to serenade his nieces and nephews.  Every Minnesota Twins national anthem was critiqued; most did not pass the test. 

Joe served on the voice faculty of the University of St. Thomas, Macalester College, Bethel University and Minneapolis Community  College. He was the choir director at a number of churches, most recently St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.  Joe loved sharing his love of music with his students, especially those with vocal challenges.  He sang for hundreds of weddings and funerals.

One of Joe’s first cars was a 1966 Ford Fairlaine convertible.  Sadly, he had to sell it when repairs became too costly, which maddened Michelle. Years later, Michelle was able to purchase her own 1966 Ford Fairlaine convertible.  Although it was her car she generously shared it with Joe.

Joe was passionate about beer, especially dark beer and Guinness. He also loved home brewing with his friends and their favorite part was hopping around the kitchen when they added the hops to the wort. Some will remember the beer explosion; Joe came home to find beer on the floor, ceiling, and walls, which neighbors accused him of slurping up while cleaning! He savored Guinness when in Ireland with Michelle, Brendan, and Colin.

Joe loved his family, and all things Irish.  He enjoyed the outdoors, their cabin near Mora, hunting, and his yearly Canadian fishing trip with his high school buddies, Ken, Mark and Gary.

He was predeceased by his father, mother, step-father, John Langford, and brother-in-law, Scott Pearson.

Joe is survived by his wife, Michelle; sons, Brendan (Brittany Shepard), and Colin (Sarah); third son, Jon Hill (Jordan); grandchildren, Brynn Reed and Lincoln Hill; siblings, Tom (Peggy) Reed, Sue (Scott) Pearson, Jane (Robin) Masterman, Jodi (Byron) McManus, and Jeff (Tracey) Reed.

Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, January 20, 2024, 11:00 A.M. at ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH, Lake St. Croix Beach, MN with  visitation 9:00-11:00 A.M. at the church.

Livestream of Service:
https://boxcast.tv/channel/william-reed-livestream-wrxzyodpkurdrgirochl