Rest in Peace, Fr. Dreher

Father Joseph Martin Dreher died in Post Falls, Idaho, on May 25, 2026, after more than thirty years of devoted priestly service. 

He was born on October 9, 1964, in Longmont, Colorado, to Adolph and Donna Dreher. He is survived by his brother Gregory and his sister Jeanette. He graduated from Longmont High School in 1982 and, in 1986, received a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Colorado. Following graduation, he worked for three years as a computer programmer for Rockwell International. 

In September of 1989, he entered St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary in Winona, Minnesota. After completing his studies in philosophy and theology, he was ordained to the Catholic priesthood on June 24, 1995, by His Excellency Bishop Alfonso de Galarreta. On December 8, 2003, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, he pronounced his perpetual engagement in the Priestly Society of St. Pius X. 

Over the course of his priesthood, Father Dreher faithfully fulfilled many important apostolates and responsibilities. Immediately following his ordination, he was assigned to El Paso, Texas, where he served as Prior and Headmaster. From 1998 to 2004, he served as Headmaster of St. Michael’s School in Burghclere, England. He later returned to Winona, Minnesota, where he spent two years as a seminary professor, serving one of those years additionally as Vice-Rector. 

In August of 2006, Father Dreher was assigned as District Secretary in Kansas City, Missouri, a position he faithfully carried out until the summer of 2013. From 2013 to 2016, he served as assistant priest in Chicago, Illinois. Finally, in August of 2016, he was assigned to Post Falls, Idaho, where he spent the remaining years of his priestly life ministering tirelessly to souls until he returned his own to God. 

The faithful are invited to join the priests and religious of the SSPX in offering prayers for the repose of his soul.

May he rest in peace!