Roderick Scott Chapman, Dentist and Author, Passes Away at 89

Roderick Scott Chapman, an 89-year-old Bemidji resident and former dental surgeon, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, according to the Bemidji Pioneer.

Born in Bemidji and raised in Lavinia, Chapman’s life spanned several decades and various professional disciplines, ranging from competitive athletics and dental surgery to romance novel authorship.

Chapman’s early years were defined by a notable athletic career. After graduating from Juneau High School in 1955, he attended the University of North Dakota, where he played football. While pursuing his studies at the University of North Dakota, he also established himself as a track and field athlete, setting school records in the 400-yard dash both as an individual competitor and as the anchor for his relay team.

His academic journey eventually led him to Marquette University, where he earned a Doctorate in Dental Surgery in 1963. Following his graduation, he established a dental practice in Minot, North Dakota. He spent many years in Minot raising his three daughters, Laurie, Holly, and Jennifer, alongside his first wife, Judith Johnson, whom he met during his time at the University of North Dakota.

After parting ways with Johnson in the mid-1980s, Chapman transitioned through several different regions and roles. He practiced dentistry and taught in Washington before moving to Glen Ellyn, Illinois, to serve as a dental examiner for several years.

In the late 1990s, Chapman entered a new chapter of his life when he married Annie Callahan. The couple initially settled in Orlando, Florida, where Chapman became known as an avid Harley rider, before eventually relocating to Asheville, North Carolina.

In Asheville, Chapman and Callahan both engaged in writing. Over a twelve-year period, Chapman published seven romance novels. Following the death of Annie Callahan in 2024, Chapman moved in with his daughter, Laurie, and her husband, Stef.

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He eventually returned to his roots in Bemidji, where he lived until his recent passing. He is remembered by those who knew him as an enthusiastic hunter and fisherman with a deep love for the outdoors.

Chapman is survived by his sister, Judy Whitehead; his daughters, Laurie (Stef Johnson) Chapman and Jennifer (John) Cole of Bemidji, and Holly (Mitch) Kenitzer of Laporte; and his grandchildren, Lincoln, Allegra, Nicholas, and William. He is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Asa and Harper, and his dog, Sadie.

The family expressed their gratitude to the staff at Colleen’s Caring Hands in Bemidji for the care provided during his final days.

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