Born in Elgin, Illinois. Studied at the Art Institute of Chicago. He attended the University of Washington. Married to Gloria G. Michel July 8, 1950. They had a daughter. Worked as assistant to Lorado Taft 1922 to 1925. Operated a studio in Elgin.

He designed a number of military decorations including the Combat Infantry Badge, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star and WACS insignia.

He designed the Elgin Illinois Centennial half dollar. The coin raised money to produce Rovelstad's "Pioneer Memorial" statue. He spent mucho of his life trying to raise funds and get the memorial erected. At the time of his death, the statue had not yet been cast in bronze. It was cast in 2000 and erected in Elgin in 2001.

He also designed the Chicago Coin Club 50th Anniversary medal for 1969.

bio: P-F; WWA 78-79; WWAmArt 91N; WWMW 84 obit: CW 8/1/1990; NN 7/31/1990