LAKE WALES - Mr. John Donald Shelgren, Sr. age 85, (father of John D. Shelgren, Jr, M.D.) passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, February 25, 2007 of a cardiac arrhythmia.

 Born on April 6, 1921, in Bradford PA ,the son of  Carl A. and Helen McIntyre Shelgren,    John leaves behind his partner of seventeen years, Lucile Argenbright as well as his six children, John D. Jr.,  Jay D. (Jesse), James D. (Lori Ann), Juli D. Silva (Michael), Jerry D. (Yvonne) and Joni D. Fasoldt, (James).  He is also survived by twelve grandchildren.

 Mr. Shelgren was educated at St. Bonaventure University and the University of Miami as a Mechanical Engineer.  Beyond his education, he was a WWII Navy veteran and served as an aviator and submariner.  He and his father were locally recognized as excellent marksmen.  John was a champion baton twirler and won the National Baton Twirling Competition at the Orange Bowl in 1948. 

 Mr. Shelgren and his family resided in the Albany, NewYork area for many years prior to    retiring in Florida.  Private Funeral Services were held Wednesday, February 28, 2007. The family has asked that Memorials be made in his name to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 21475, St. Petersburg, FL 33742.  Condolences may be sent to www.oakridgefuneralcare.com

Below is a link that will take you to an online tribute the Shelgren family has made.