Harold Joseph Dimmerling

Harold Joseph Dimmerling (September 23, 1914 – December 13, 1987) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as bishop of the Diocese of Rapid City in South Dakota from 1969 until his death in 1987.

In 2018, the Diocese of Saint Cloud announced that it had credible accusations of sexual abuse against Dimmerling.

Biography

Early life Joseph Dimmerling was born on September 23, 1914, in Braddock, Pennsylvania. He was ordained to the priesthood in Altoona, Pennsylvania, for the Diocese of Saint Cloud on May 2, 1940 by Bishop Richard Thomas Guilfoyle

Bishop of Rapid City On September 11, 1969, Pope Paul VI appointed Dimmerling as bishop of Rapid City. He was ordained bishop by Bishop George Speltz on October 30, 1969. Dimmerling established a permanent diaconate program and a lay ministry program and ordained the first Native American deacon in the country.

Dimmerling started offices in the diocese for rural life, stewardship and social concerns. He set up a ministry for people who were separated or divorced, and for widows. He also established the West River Catholic newspaper.