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Show From fishing to fixing Dad loves huge family :' I Am CENTERVILLE If Gen. Norman Swartzkopf were describing describ-ing the 1991 Clipper Great Dad from Centerville, he would call him the "mother of all fathers." And the name would fit. John Elggren has been a Great Dad since 1935 when the first of his six children was bom. That total increased when he married his second wife Marva in 1980. The couple has a combined family of 11 children, 71 grandchildren grand-children and 16 greatgrandchildren. great-grandchildren. In fact it was being a Great Dad to this large brood that kept John from being in the group photograph of dads on today ' s Clipper front page. He and his wife traveled to New Mexico to witness but when it comes to food he's a little more particular. His favorites are "roast beef, mashed potatoes, eclairs, Angel Food cake, and fruit." Although John enjoyed every minute of his fatherhood, he said, "Having a family is an education for parents as well as the children. You have to realize each child is different when they're growing up." What's John's advice to young fathers? "Have a large family. It's the best thing in the world." And John's large clan is glad he feels that way. MRS. & MR. JOHN ELGGREN the high school graduation of a grandson. This was the couple's fifth fif-th grandchild to graduate this year. Known as "Pop" by his large brood, when John isn't attending high school graduation ceremonies, he enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren at his favorite fishing holes. As his children were growing up, they spent as much time as possible fishing the streams and lakes in Yellowstone. Now one of his favorite spots is Flaming Gorge. John retired several years ago as an electrical engineer, but his hobby is woodworking. "He built me a beautiful china cabinet for my dolls,' said Marva. She added that John can repair anything. "All of the kids and grandkids bring things to him. He's a real fix-it man," she said. For John "any car that runs," is his favorite mode of transportation, |
