Julian “Juel” Victor Afdahl

Juel was born on November 20, 1971 in Faith, SD to George and Annelle (Ellefson) Afdahl, joining siblings Georgia, Jerry and Joel. After graduating from Faith High School, Juel attended Sheridan College where he met the love of his life, Tami Schrater. The pair finished their degrees at Black Hills State University and were married on March 11, 1995. They raised two sons, Canton and Blake. Juel later went on to complete a master’s degree from Lesley University.

Juel spent his career as a teacher. He taught briefly at Takini schools in South Dakota before accepting a teaching position at Torrington High School in the fall of 2000. He served as a Business Instructor, Facilitator of the CRT (Community Resource Training) program and most recently served as co-instructor across the Career and Technical Education programs. During his tenure he served as a head golf coach, activities supervisor and served on the school leadership team. Juel had a special connection with students based on mutual respect and could reach them in ways that others couldn’t.

Juel spent many years roping and rodeoing and passed that love on to his boys. Together they spent hours in the practice pen and traveling to rodeos throughout the region. He was always the guy at the roping boxes helping out and the one many young cowboys asked to push a calf, tail a steer, or just get general feedback from about their draw, their horse, or their run. Juel served on the board for the Wyoming High School Rodeo Association and could always be found helping in the arena. He coached both of the boys in Little League baseball and football.

Family was a priority with Juel and he was happiest when spending time, regardless of the activity, with family. When the boys were competing, Juel would tell them “Get your mind right and be aggressive.” That is the same motto he and his family used during his cancer battle. Juel will always be remembered for his infectious smile and laugh.

Grateful for sharing in his life are all of his family and friends including wife Tami, sons Canton (23) and Blake (18), parents George and Annelle Afdahl, Faith, SD, sister Georgia (Jeff) Stocklin, Ten Sleep, WY, brother Jerry (Lori) Afdahl, Kingwood, TX, and brother Joel (Claudine) Afdahl, Faith, SD, mother-in-law Roberta Schrater, Buffalo, WY and brother-in-law Steve (Shawna) Schrater, Gillette, WY along with several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his Grandparents, several aunts and uncles, his father-in-law, and a special infant Godson Mason Peterson.

A casual Celebration of Life to honor this great man will be held on Monday, July 27th at 1:30 pm. The exact location will be shared at a later date based on current health order restrictions. Juel was passionate about helping others. In lieu of flowers, please consider helping someone in need or planting a tree in his memory. Memorial gifts can be sent to the Juel Afdahl family with a memorial benefiting students established at a later date.