Daniel William Kucera, OSB (Czech pronunciation [kuˈtsera]; May 7, 1923 – May 30, 2017) was a bishop of the Catholic Church. He served as an Auxiliary Bishop in Joliet (1977–1980), the Bishop of Salina (1980–1983), and as the Archbishop of Dubuque (1983–1995). Early life and ministry Kucera was born in a Czech family in Chicago, Illinois, on May 7, 1923, and given the name William. His parents were Joseph F. and Lillian (Petrzelka) Kucera. Kucera was educated at St. Procopius College (now known as Benedictine University) in Lisle, Illinois. He took the religious name of Daniel when he professed religious vows June 16, 1944, at St. Procopius Abbey in the Order of Saint Benedict. On May 26, 1949, he was ordained a priest. Kucera earned a doctorate in education from The Catholic University of America in 1954. His background in education has led Vatican officials — including the Pope — to ask his advice on educational matters. He served in various administrative positions at St. Procopius College until he was named the college's president. On July 8, 1964, he was elected Abbot of St. Procopius Abbey and received his abbatial blessing on August 19, 1964. He served as abbot until June 1, 1971, when he resigned to become the college's president again. On June 6, 1977, Pope Paul VI named Kucera Titular Bishop of Natchesium and Auxiliary Bishop of Joliet. He was consecrated by Bishop Romeo Roy Blanchette of Joliet. Bishops Andrew Grutka of Gary and Raymond Vonesh, auxiliary bishop of Joliet, served as primary co-consecrators. Bishop of Salina On March 5, 1980, Pope John Paul II appointed Kucera as the eighth bishop of Salina, in the state of Kansas. He was formally installed in Sacred Heart Cathedral on May 7, 1980, by Archbishop Ignatius J. Strecker of Kansas City in Kansas. During his three years as bishop of the diocese the Diocesan Office of Planning, the Bishop's Council for Catholic Education and the Office of Youth Ministries were established. The diocese hired a business manager, and the chancery and other administrative offices of the diocese were moved to a larger building downtown. Marymount College in Salina became a diocesan institution after the Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia decided they were no longer able to continue ownership. The college closed in 1989. Archbishop of Dubuque On December 20, 1983, Pope John Paul II appointed Kucera as the tenth bishop