Dr. Homer D. Rovelstad

Homer David Rovelstad, DDS died September 29, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving family in Mesa, Arizona at the age of 96 years. He was born in Decorah, IA to Dr. Adolf M. & Blanche I. (Wollan) Rovelstad. In 1930 he moved to Grand Forks, ND. Homer graduated from GF CHS, and UND. He went to dental school at The University of Minnesota St Paul earning his D.D.S. After graduation Homer entered service in the Navy as a Lt. JG as a dentist serving in Hawaii during WWII.

Homer met the love of his life, Phyllis Audrey Stenehjem, at the U of Minnesota. They married in June of 1946. They lived in Maui, HI. They moved to Grand Forks, ND where he began his dental practice after discharge from the Navy. Homer practiced dentistry for 51 years.

They had two children: Susan Jean Rovelstad James and David Phillip Rovelstad. Their grandchildren Darren Douglas (Cristina Lopez Alcaraz) James in Cartagena, Spain and Phillip David (Phoebe Chitila) James in Seattle, WA. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings (Helen Jefferies , Robert and Lenore Rovelstad ) and son, David.

Dr. Rovelstad was described as a great scientist who was instrumental and a key advocate in getting fluoridation added to the water systems across the state of North Dakota focusing first on the city water systems in the 1950’s which led then to the rural water systems going across the state. Studies conducted in 1925 and 1958 showed nearly a 50% decrease in the children caries after fluoridation was added. He was always concerned about removing the paining stress that children would have from dental caries or seeing the dentist.

Dr. Rovelstad was involved in the proposal to bring a dental hygiene school to UND in Grand Forks which ended up being approved and built in Wahpeton, ND.

He served as President of the North Dakota Dental Association in 1962 and was a Guest of Honor at the 1988 Annual Membership Luncheon. He was an active participant in national legislative activities providing testimony on various occasions. Dr. Rovelstad was a member of the International College of Dentists.

He served on the Grand Forks Board of Education, a member of United Lutheran Church since 1930, on the Council of United Lutheran Church, United Lutheran Senior Choir, a lifetime member of the American Legion and V.F.W. Homer was a lifetime supporter of UND both in attending games & other events, but also as contributor (beginning in 1951-present).

A Celebration of Life will be held October 13, 2018 at United Lutheran Church, 324 Chestnut St., Grand Forks, ND 58201 at 10:30. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. There will be time to share memories of him at the service. If you prefer to write a short memory with Homer we will have it read at the service. This would be most appreciated by the family.

Memorials requested to be sent in lieu of flowers to: UND Foundation to Dr Homer & Phyllis and Adolph Rovelstad College of Arts & Sciences Scholarship or United Lutheran Church, Grand Forks, ND.