A man with a big laugh and an even bigger heart: Paul "Rover" Rovelstad was a force to be reckoned with at KARE 11. Rover had been a photojournalist with KARE since 1986. He passed away on Friday, Dec. 29 at the age of 57.
Rover grew up in Rochester, MN with his adoptive parents, Joanna and Randolph Rovelstad and his four adopted siblings: Mark, Laurie, Kristi and Steve. He graduated from John Marshall High School and went on to graduate from the University of MN Duluth.
After college, Rover worked as an EMT: that's how he was introduced to the world of news. He made friends with a group of photojournalists in Duluth and enjoyed their company so much, he decided to apply for an open photographer position in the area. After getting his feet wet, he came to KARE in 1986.
With his booming laugh and contagious personality, it was impossible not to get swept up in Rover's presence. He had a smile that was intoxicating. He didn't just have a passion for his job, he had a passion for life in general: skiing, fishing, the Grateful Dead and dining with friends at Miller's Corner Bar and Grill. He was not only loved by his co-workers inside the KARE building, he was loved throughout the industry.
We wanted to share some of our favorite memories of Rover:
"Paul was one the kindest people I know. Dedicated, hard working and always with a warm smile on his face. He will be greatly missed." - Jane Helmke, News Director
"I was an intern in 1986, the same year Rover started at KARE. We later worked together for years in the sports department, where we traveled extensively, before Paul came to the Sunrise shift. As anyone who ever met Rover would tell you, he didn't have a malicious bone in his body. My heart is broken, he will be sorely missed." - Tim McNiff, KARE Sunrise Anchor
"I can't recall a single day where he didn't have a smile on his face or a joke to share. His positive energy and drive are things we should all aspire to." - David Peterlinz, fellow KARE photojournalist.
"When I was an intern at KARE I spent every shift with Rover - the recipe for an unforgettable summer. I loved riding to stories together. His laugh was contagious, and he had some of the best concert stories ever. As soon as he found out I was into the Grateful Dead -- he would either have a new CD burned for me every shift or one for me to borrow. Rover was genuinely one of the nicest people I've had the pleasure of knowing. He always went out of his way to ask how I was, what was new and while I worked in Iowa -- he rooted for me to make it back to KARE 11 someday. When it happened - he gave me the world's biggest bear hug. I'll never forget hanging out with him in the Twins press box that summer. The guy LOVED sitting down with a few hot dogs and some popcorn. He also loved post-game pressers with Gardy, and their interactions were priceless. My heart hurts I won't hear that laugh anymore. That he won't be able to remind me for the 1,000th time HE was the one who filmed me when I was born. Rover was a good man. A friend to everyone. And literally one-of-a-kind. At least I have some comfort knowing Jerry Garcia just gained one helluva drinking buddy." - Ryan Shaver, Sports Reporter
"A couple of years ago Rover begged me to cover his shift so he could attend a Grateful Dead show in Chicago. I agreed and he said 'I'm going bring you back the most badass tie dye.' Which he did. Godspeed Rover." - David Vance, fellow KARE photojournalist
"His constant eagerness, his joyful spirit, his persistent kindness. His willingness to help... help the story, help your day, help anyone. I will miss his dependable and unrelenting happiness. Miss his loyalty. And miss him." - Karla Hult, Reporter
Paul (“Rover”) Rovelstad was the ultimate “behind-the-scenes” KARE-TV ambassador. His co-workers could always count on his upbeat personality, a smile on his face, and when meeting new people, he'd give that person a hearty handshake. Because of news deadlines, his daily pace was always on fast forward, walking down KARE hallways with his giant strides to get to a story or upon his return, to edit those stories. He was a proud son who used to tell stories about his father, a doctor with the Mayo Clinic and share how pretty his Mom was. There will be many shared stories today about Paul. I think the photos alone show his passion for life. There will also be many empty hearts at KARE (and outside of KARE) as a result of his sudden passing. Rover- you will be greatly missed. - Diana Pierce, former KARE 11 anchor
"He was a hippie born 10 years too late, a man too good for these troubled times. Paul believed in human goodness, and was often disappointed by those who didn't love and care for their fellow human beings." - Dana Thiede, Digital Producer
"His enthusiasm was unparalleled. He worked very hard but maintained an amazingly positive attitude no matter what the situation. Rover would actually thank me for sending him to some assignments because they were 'so much fun'" - Rita Hathaway, Managing Editor
"I worked with Rover for the better part of 10 years. We traveled the country together for work. He's the best travel partner and work partner you could hope for. He's do anything for you and for the job and he'd do it with a smile. He was kind to all; whether you were his boss or an intern, Rover treated everyone the same: with kindness and sincerity. I truly loved that guy as much as you could care for someone who was not in your family." - Dave Schwartz, Anchor
"Rover was always the cheerleader in the field. No matter what came our way each morning, no matter how stressful it may have been, at the end of it, he'd give you a high five and yell, 'Alright, alright way to go team! We did it! Nice job out there!' Rover had such a big heart and it showed every single day." - Ellery McCardle, Reporter
"The thing I always admired and respected about Rover is that he treated every story like it was the Super Bowl; he worked his hardest to make sure every story was the best it could be. Rover always had a smile and a laugh, and I will miss him dearly." - Cory Hepola, Anchor
"When I started at KARE in 1994...I produced Sunrise by myself. No reporters back then...just Rover and me. When big news would happen, 'RoverCam' would kick into high gear. Not only would Paul shoot spot news, he would walk, talk and do live shots (off camera)...ala RoverCam.
We covered big stories— Burnsville HS fire and a fatal Molotov cocktail fire-bombing in Minneapolis that killed six people and were just as competitive as the other guys....all because of Rover's hustle and dedication." - Cindy Chapman, Executive Producer
"Every time I would get in the van with Rover he would BREATHLESSLY start telling stories … at a Rover volume. He couldn't help that he panted thru each syllable, he couldn't help that his outside voice was his inside voice. He couldn't help it because he was just always THAT excited to share. And even when you hadn't had any coffee yet, he would talk and talk and yell (I mean, talk) until he got to his signature end of story cue. He'd lean over the steering wheel, look at you, and say …COME ON!!!! The world, and the cologne industry, lost big today. Godspeed Rover." - Jana Shortal, Anchor