William “Bill” Austin Dodder Jr., 88, a devoted servant of Jesus Christ, loving husband, faithful father, pastor, and spiritual leader, went home to be with the Lord on January 30, 2026, surrounded by his beloved family.
Born on April 15, 1937, in Redlands, California, to William A. Dodder Sr. and Naomi Gregory Dodder. On June 19, 1955, he married the love of his life, Patricia Jane Ryden, beginning a seventy year-long marriage centered on faith, devotion, and service to the Lord.
Bill attended Manitou High School before serving honorably in the United States Air Force. He later pursued higher education at Colorado State University and answered God’s calling to ministry by completing his theological studies at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Bill lived by his guiding conviction to be “uniquely you and intensely spiritual,” dedicating every season of his life to glorifying God. While providing for his family as a skilled home builder in Colorado Springs, he faithfully served as pastor to multiple churches across Texas and Colorado. He was the founding pastor of Vista Grande Baptist Church and Woodmen Valley Chapel, where his preaching, leadership, and pastoral care helped nurture generations of believers. His ministry was marked by a deep love for Scripture, a heart for discipleship, and an extraordinary passion for evangelism.
In his later years, Bill’s faith carried him beyond local ministry into global missions. He supported and advanced the work of High Flight, Cru, and Every Home for Christ, committed to spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
His missionary spirit led him to extraordinary journeys: searching Mount Ararat in pursuit of Noah’s Ark, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, carrying Bibles into East Germany, riding camels near the pyramids of Egypt, walking the Great Wall of China, and ministering across Africa. In Ethiopia, he helped establish a medical and veterinary clinic, reflecting Christ’s compassion through tangible service.
A special hobby of Bill’s was buying and selling exotic vehicles and racing up Pikes Peak any chance he got! Bill also loved the outdoor life of Colorado and the mountain communities. From down-hill skiing, local marathons, motorcycle riding, hiking in the Westcliffe area, Bill invited friends and family to appreciate the challenge and beauty of God’s creation.
Above all earthly callings, Bill cherished his family as a sacred blessing from God. He is survived by his devoted wife, Patricia J. Dodder, and his children: Deborah A. (Dodder) Smith (Doug), William “Skeet” A. Dodder III (Janie), Richard C. Dodder (April), and Jonathan A. Dodder (Chandra).
He was a beloved grandfather to Angela Schertle (Charlie), Jennifer Murai (Jun), Austin Dodder (Kristen), Beau Smith (Ashlynn), Thomas Dodder, Samantha Wolf (Rick), Mark Smith (Jessica), Joshua Dodder, Khara Dodder, Spencer Dodder (Jessica), Evan Dodder, Jesse Dodder, Piper Peterson (Lars), Hailey Dodder, Ashley Dodder, and Scott Hutchison, and a proud great-grandfather to twenty-three precious great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Sondra Dodder; nephew, Chris Dodder (Kim); and niece, Heather (Dodder) West (Mike).
Preceding him in death were his parents, William A. Dodder Sr. and Naomi Gregory Seifert; his brother, Greg Dodder; his daughter, Kimberli Wildenstein; and his nephew, Grant Dodder.
Bill’s life was a testimony of unwavering faith, courageous obedience, and wholehearted devotion to God. He ran his race well and now rejoices in the presence of his Savior, hearing the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23)
His legacy of faith, prayer, leadership, and love for the Gospel will continue to shape his family, church, friends, and all whose lives he touched until the day they meet again in eternity.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Woodmen Valley Chapel, Stone Chapel, 290 E Woodmen Rd, Colorado Springs, CO, 80919.