Ivan Alvin Groshong, 92, of Sweet Home, Oregon (recently of Bend) passed away Friday, April 4, 2014. He was born in Holley to Elmer and Mary (Conner) Groshong. He was one of 14 children.

He went to school at Rocky Point and graduated in 1939.

Ivan 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.

He started logging in 1940 using hand saws, and then on the high lead logging. As a high climber, he topped the trees. Before retirement, he ran the biggest yarder on the west coast as the Yarder Engineer.

In May 1944, Ivan joined the United Sates Navy. He was 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 married Juanita Johnson on June 5, 1946.

Ivan 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.

Ivan 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 will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 11, 2014 at Southside Church of Christ in Lebanon. Graveside service will be at 3:30 p.m., Friday, April 11, 2014 at Union Cemetery in Crawfordsville.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.