Rolf Dolder

Rolf Dolder, 78, of Columbia, SC died on July 7, 2026. Rolf was born in Thun, Switzerland on September 17, 1947 to Werner Dolder and Margaretha Dolder-Streit. He immigrated with his family to Prescott, Ontario, Canada in 1954 at the age of 6. It was in Canada that he and his brothers learned English while playing with friends, watching TV and attending school. In 1960, the family moved to Greeneville, TN where Rolf proudly acquired his naturalized U.S. citizenship in 1967.

Rolf was a 1965 graduate of Greeneville High School and received his BA and MBA from East Tennessee State University. Upon graduation he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and was fortunate to be stationed in Fürth, Germany for most of his three years of service. While stationed in Fürth, he and his wife, Patsy, were able to visit Switzerland often and reconnect with his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. The close relationships formed with his Swiss Dolder and Streit cousins remained throughout his life with many visits, both in the states and in Switzerland. It is his wish that his children and grandchildren continue to develop and maintain close ties with his home country and extended Swiss family.

Upon discharge from the Army as a 1st Lieutenant, Rolf began his career in IT. He worked for Ross Perot’s Electronic Data Systems in Dallas, TX and Columbia, SC; Policy Management Systems Corporation in Columbia; and enjoyed his last position as IT Director for the SC Department of Motor Vehicles, from which he retired. Retirement allowed him more time on his BMW motorcycle, with long rides through the German, Swiss, Italian and Austrian Alps; from SC to Alaska and back; and through Canada and many of the US states. He also enjoyed working on his Porsche and became a “Fixer of All Things.” He looked forward to weekly outings with his Lexington Old Boys golf buddies; and enjoyed following golf, football, soccer, basketball, tennis and baseball events.

Rolf is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Patricia (Patsy) Ann Horne Dolder; his son and daughter-in-law, Brian Rolf Dolder and Valerie King Dolder; his daughter, Jennifer Suzanne Dolder and partner, Robert Adam Burrows; and his grandchildren, Liesl King Dolder and William Rolf Dolder, all of Columba. Also surviving are his brothers and sisters-in-law, Alfred and Cynthia Dolder of Atlanta, GA; René Dolder of Columbia, SC; Peter and Kathi Dolder of Blowing Rock, NC; and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jean and Bob Trent of Maryville, TN; several nieces and nephews and their children. Rolf is also survived by his Dolder cousins in Switzerland, Urs, Elisabeth, Lea, Christian, Bettina, Peter and Anja; and Streit cousins Suzanne, Francesco, Jörg, Margrit, Beatrice and Marcel; along with Dolder cousins in the US, Esther, John, Tabea, Kenny, Maria and his Tante Trudi Dolder; and Streit cousins Sandy and Keith.

He is predeceased by his parents, Werner and Margrit Dolder; his parents-in-law, James Roy Horne and Dollie Ellenburg Horne; and his sister-in-law, Brenda Dolder.

Rolf will be interred at Fort Jackson National Cemetery in Columbia. A celebration of his wonderful and blessed life will be held at The River Center at Saluda Shoals Park from 1:30-4:00 pm on August 2. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Friends of Harbison State Forest at friendsofhsf.org.  Barr-Price Funeral Home and Crematorium, Lexington Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

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