William "Bill" Dodd

It is with great sadness that the family of William Dodd announce his passing. Bill finally found an opponent he could not run over, run around, outwit or out strategize. He passed away on January 7th, 2025. Born on May 26th, 1942, to Albert and Marie Dodd, he was raised in Virden by his mother and stepfather, Ernest Logan, following Albert’s untimely death in WWII. For 82 years Bill lived a life filled with earnest hard work, tremendous passion and service towards others. During Bill’s early years you would have found him roaming the streets of Virden with his best friend and “partner in crime”, his brother Bob. The two were inseparable and full of mischief. They never missed a chance to play in a quick pick-up game of any sport, an adventure at the tank or to devour any fresh baked item their mother made. Bill excelled in many sports, as evident by his numerous athletic awards and achievements, but football was his favorite. It was his greatness on the football field for the Virden High Bulldogs that earned him a football scholarship to the University of Michigan, and his relentless pursuit down the halls of Virden High School that captured the heart of his future wife, Gretchen. After graduating from the University of Michigan in 1964 with a degree in mathematics, Bill continued on at U of M as a Grad Assistant where he earned his Masters in Education in 1965. Bill taught and coached one year at West Leyden High School in the Chicago suburbs. He then returned to the University of Michigan to coach football for two years (1966-1968) before heading to the University of Idaho (1969) and Southern Illinois University (1970-1977). His coaching was not just about winning games, but about building character and inspiring others to achieve their personal best. In 1977 Bill traded in his college coaching whistle and playbook for a home office and more time with his family by accepting a sales position for Levi Strauss & Co. in Kentwood, Michigan. Unable to completely leave coaching behind, his focus turned towards his daughters and their athletic endeavors, leading the Levi Barnstormers to several softball league titles and spending countless hours teaching his girls the correct way to shoot a lay-up, when to throw a changeup, and how to lay down a bunt. After his daughters graduated from college, Bill spent his final 5 years with Levi Strauss in Dallas. In 1998 Bill retired and returned to his “Mayberry”, Virden, where he became an honorary farmer and city councilman. Bill will be remembered for his faith in God, unfailing work ethic, inexhaustible grit, bottomless generosity and an attentive ear. He was wise beyond his education, and people of all ages and stations in life sought his advice and benefited from his counsel. As a loving husband he was loyal, devoted and prioritized Gretchen’s care. As a father he was involved, a stern disciplinarian and set high expectations, but was also encouraging and always their biggest fan. As grandparents, Dodo & Momo (Bill & Gretchen) will always be the keepers of the greatest vacation spot in the world, Cozy Creek Farm, where their grandchildren’s imaginations blossomed, and their days were filled with adventure, laughter and love. Bill’s legacy lives on in the many athletes, co-workers, friends and family members lives he touched. And always remember….GO BLUE! Preceded in death by his parents, Albert Dodd, Edith Marie Logan and Ernest Logan and brother, Robert Dodd. Survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Gretchen; his two treasured daughters, Amanda (Bill) MacDonald and Karol (Todd) Reeves; his 6 prized grandchildren, Hayley (Zac) VanBeek, Emma Reeves, Evan (Bri Koehn) MacDonald, Jackson (Laura) Reeves, Hope (Spencer) DeGraaf, and William “Bo” Reeves; and 2 precious great grandchildren, Palmer (Hayley and Zac) and Isla (Jackson and Laura). Bill is also survived by his cherished aunt, Pat Rutherford. The family will remember Bill’s life in a private ceremony in Virden, Illinois, at a later time. Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Association. Memorial tributes and remembrances may be left for the family online at www.yntemafh.com

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William "Bill" Dodd

May 26, 1942 - January 7, 2025