Oct. 9, 1921 – April 4, 2014
Ivan Alvin Groshong, 92, of Sweet Home, recently of Bend, died April 4, 2014.
He was born Oct. 9, 1921 in Holley to Elmer and Mary (Conner) Groshong, one of 14 children.
He went to school at Rocky Point and graduated in 1939.
Mr. Groshong loved baseball and was third baseman on the Sweet Home team. He loved the outdoors – especially hunting and fishing with family and friends. He was a life member of the NRA.
In May 1944 he joined the United Sates Navy, serving on a new LST #868. He was honorably discharged May 16, 1946 as a fire controlman 3rd class with Asiatic Campaign Medal, One Star, American Medal, World War II Victory Medal.
He started logging in 1940, using hand saws then in high load logging. As a high climber he topped the trees. Before retirement he ran the biggest yarder on the West Coast as a yarder engineer.
He married Juanita Johnson on June 5, 1946.
Mr. Groshong became a baptized Christian in July of 1961. He continued his life of faith to the end.
His family and friends will remember him and honor his legacy of faith, love, kindness and a gentle spirit. Above all, he valued truth, honesty, compassion and forgiveness.
Mr. Groshong is survived by his wife, Juanita Groshong; children Wanda Pickens, Linda Nivison, Dale Groshong and Laura Bock; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren and one on the way.
A memorial service was held April 11 at Southside Church of Christ in Lebanon, with a graveside service at Union Cemetery in Crawfordsville.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.