Daniel Kucera

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Archbishop Daniel William Kucera, OSB, (May 7, 1923 - ) is a bishop of the Roman Catholic Church and Archbishop Emeritus of Dubuque. He is currently retired and living in Aurora, Colorado.

He was born William Kucera in Chicago, Illinois on May 7, 1923. He took the religious name of Daniel when he became a Brother in the Order of Saint Benedict on June 16, 1944. On May 26, 1949 he was ordained a Priest. Kucera earned a doctorate in education. His background on education has lead Vatican officials — including the Pope — to ask his advice on educational matters. At the age of 36 he became the youngest President of St. Procopius College (now known as Benedictine University).

In June of 1977, he became an auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Joliet, Illinois, and became the Titular Bishop of Natchesium. In March of 1980, he was appointed as Bishop of Salina, Kansas. He was formally installed as Bishop of Salina in May of 1980. On December 20, 1983 he was appointed Archbishop of Dubuque. He was installed as Archbishop on February 23, 1984.

Archbishop Kucera set about reorganizing the Archdiocese. This was accomplished by reorganizing or creating Archdiocesan boards, and established the first Archbishop's Cabinet to coordianate the running of the Archdiocese. Kucera reduced the number of deaneries from 16 to 14. He also had revised guidelines for the sacrament of Confirmation published in 1986.

In 1986 the Archdiocese celebrated the 150th anniversary of its founding. On November 30, 1986 Kucera gave a proclimation announcing the anniversary.

In 1994, he requested the appointment of a coadjutor. Bishop Jerome Hanus of Saint Cloud, Minnesota was assigned as Coadjutor Archbishop of Dubuque. On October 16, 1995 Archbishop Kucera retired. At that point, Archbishop Hanus automatically became the next Archbishop of Dubuque.

Preceded by None	Titular Bishop of Natchesium 1977–1980	Succeeded by William Bullock
Preceded by James Byrne	Archbishop of Dubuque 1983–1995	Succeeded by Jerome Hanus