“A faithful priest”

It’s a sad day for us with the news of the death of our brother Fr. Dan Juelfs. I had gone to the Casa Maria for prayer and an evening meal (9/9) and I took along some documents for Fr. Dan which needed his signature as diocesan administrator. It was immediately clear that Fr. Dan was struggling, something he himself admitted (he complained of chills and shortness of breath). Fr. Gary Oreshoski agreed to take Fr. Dan to the hospital where I would join them. The doctors performed some diagnostic tests which revealed that Fr. Dan’s condition had deteriorated markedly. The surgeon indicated that an exploratory procedure would be needed to determine the nature of the situation. However, this procedure would be high risk with no guarantee that Fr. Dan would survive it. Fr. Dan was clear of mind and freely chose the procedure. It was evident that he very much desired to continue living and serving as a priest. Following the procedure, many factors multiplied that ultimately led to the decision to cease the life-support efforts that followed the surgery and Fr. Dan died around 3:30 a.m.

A vigil service will be held at 7pm on Sept 18, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Visitation will be at the church from 5-7pm. with Rosary at 6:30pm. A Christian Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10am on Sept 19 at the cathedral. This Mass will be live streamed on our website and Facebook pages. Burial will be at Noon at the Priests’ Cemetery at Terra Sancta. A reception will follow the burial at the Terra Sancta Retreat Center.

Archbishop Hebda has been named the Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese of Rapid City for this time prior to my Episcopal Ordination.

While I did not know Fr. Dan well, his warm and humble welcome to me over these last few months revealed his heart as a faithful priest who desired, above all, to be of service to the Lord and to the Church. With his passing, I am aware that your “season of grieving” continues that began with the death of Bishop Peter. While we trust in the resurrection, for now we dwell in a time of loss and sorrow. Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us!

Obituary — Father Daniel Juelfs

Fr. Daniel G. Juelfs passed away on September 10, 2024, at the age of 77. He was born November 25, 1946, in Aberdeen, to Norbert and Adelaide (Callaghan) Juelfs. He was raised on a farm/ranch in Harding County and was baptized and confirmed at St. Eulalia Church in Ralph, SD and Confirmed at St. Anthony Church in Buffalo, SD.

In 1965, he graduated from St. Mary High School, New England, N.D. He completed two years at St. John Vianney Seminary, Elkhorn, Neb. and six years at St. Paul Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota. He earned his Canon Law degree after studying at St. Paul University in Ottawa, Canada from 1996-1998.

He was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Harold J. Dimmerling on June 8, 1973, at St. Isidore Catholic Church in Ralph. During his years of ministry, he served 26 parishes in Perkins, Corson, Butte, Ziebach, Meade, and Pennington Counties before retiring from full-time parish ministry in 2021. Fr. Dan, as he was known by most, also served in various diocesan ministries, including judicial vicar, vicar general, vicar for clergy, College of Consultors, the presbyteral council, and finally as diocesan administrator. He served as vicar general for then-Bishop Blase Cupich and Bishop Robert Gruss reappointed him. On June 11, 2023, he celebrated a Mass of thanksgiving for his 50th anniversary of priesthood.

In 1973, he and the late Fr. Dale Kutil were instrumental in purchasing a house to serve as the Newman center, where he served as director. His ministry included Marriage Encounter chaplain and Chaplain for the Rapid City Fire Department.

He was eligible for retirement in 2016 but continued to serve in Eagle Butte and its seven mission parishes due to a shortage of priests. Later, he was assigned as parish administrator in Wall and then in Lemmon.

Fr. Dan retired from parish work in 2021 but continued to serve on the tribunal as defender of the bond and to provide sacramental coverage for parishes as needed.

Following the death of Bishop Peter Muhich, the College of Consultors of the Diocese of Rapid City elected Fr. Dan to lead the diocese on February 19, 2024.

He is survived by one sister, Marcia (Dale) Hochhalter, Brooklyn Park, MN; and two brothers, Gregory Juelfs (Dena), Buffalo, SD, and Vincent Juelfs (Karen), Huron, SD. Fr. Dan was predeceased by his parents, Norbert and Adelaide “Leone” and his sister, Noreen.

He is survived by one sister, Marcia (Dale) Hochhalter, Bowman, N.D.; and two brothers, Gregory Juelfs, Buffalo, and Vincent Juelfs, Huron.