Phyllis Rovelstad

PHYLLIS AUDREY STENEHJEM ROVELSTAD died July 26, 2019 at her home surrounded by her loving family in Mesa, Arizona at the age of 96 years.

She was born March 17, 1923 at Arnegard, ND to Odin N. and Lillie A. Stenehjem.

She grew up in Watford City, ND, a city that held her heart throughout her life.  After graduating from Watford City High School she attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN.  She sang in the Concordia Concert Choir under Paul J. Christiansen.  She transferred and graduated from University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN with a BS in Interior Design.  She worked as an Interior Designer in L.A. prior to her marriage.

While at the University of Minnesota, she met the love of her life, Homer David Rovelstad.  They married June 20, 1946.  They moved to Maui, HI while Homer served in US Navy during WWII.  They moved to Grand Forks, ND after his discharge in 1947 to begin his dental practice.  

They had two children, Susan Jean Rovelstad James and David Phillip Rovelstad.  Their grandchildren Darren Douglas James and Phillip David (Phoebe Chitila) James live in Seattle, WA.

She was preceded in death by her husband Homer; her parents;  brothers, O. Vincent (Violet) and Leland M. (Judith) Stenehjem;  her brother-in-law Robert W. (Lenore) Rovelstad and son, David.

Phyllis had a strong commitment to her Faith in God.  She actively supported and participated at her church through her attendance, reading the Bible, Women’s Circle, Bible Studies, and singing in Choir. 

Phyllis & Homer maintained summer homes at Lake Sakakawea in ND and Bemidji, MN where the family thrived on the water.  Near retirement they split time between Grand Forks, ND and Apache Wells in Mesa, AZ, 6 months of the year.

Phyllis’ love of family was ever present in all that she did.  Her home was always open to family.  She was known for her excellence in entertaining family & friends.  

She was gifted in creating many handcrafted pieces including Hardanger stitching, knitting,  needlepoint, monograming, oil painting and re-upholstered furniture pieces.    Phyllis enjoyed golfing, swimming, playing Bridge.

Memorials can be designated to:  Phyllis Stenehjem Rovelstad and Dr. Homer Rovelstad Endowed Scholarship that is awarded to students in Music and the Sciences at Concordia College;  Phyllis and Dr. Homer Rovelstad Athletics Endowment to UND Foundation; United Lutheran Church; or the  Alzheimer’s Association.

Memorial Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 5, 2019 at United Lutheran Church, 324 Chestnut St., Grand Forks.  Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service in the church.   Inurnment will be at Memorial Park North Cemetery, Grand Forks.