Gregory Allan Groshens

Gregory Allan Groshens, age 42, of La Grande and a former resident of Heppner, died recently from natural causes at his home in La Grande. A memorial service will be held in Heppner at a later date. Disposition was by cremation.

Mr. Groshens was born on December 23, 1961 in Heppner, Oregon to Victor L. and Judy Darnielle Groshens. He was a 1981 graduate of Heppner High School. After graduation he entered the Navy to begin a 17 year career as a Seabee. He was proud to serve his country and received several meritorious commendations as he was stationed in Adak, Alaska; McMurdo, Antarctica; San Jose, California and Corpus Christie, Texas. As a Seabee he operated heavy equipment which helped with the relief effort after Hurricane Andrew in Florida as well as another project involving a natural disaster in the Philippines. After an honorable discharge, he returned to Oregon in 1998 where he drove truck for Swift Transportation and Hale Trucking in Hermiston, Gary Smith Trucking in Baker City and Eastern Oregon Fast Freight of La Grande until the time of his death.

He enjoyed spending time in the mountains and loved to fish. He was an avid watcher of old movies and very good at trivia on the subject. He liked to spend time with his extended family and will be greatly missed by all.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Judy; brother, Scott W. Groshens; paternal grandfather, Vic Groshens and maternal grandparents, Burt and Eunice Darnielle.

Survivors include his father and step-mother, Vic and Wanda Groshens of Baker City; brother, Harry Groshens and his wife, Laura of Pendleton; niece, Nicole Groshens of Pendleton; nephew, Brandon Groshens of Pendleton; step-brothers, Steve and Lynne Hawkins and Scott Hawkins of Baker City; grandmother, Virginia Groshens of Hermiston; step-grandmother, Mary Boyd of Baker City and special aunt, Jo Irvin of Irrigon.

Memorial contributions may be made to Doernbeckers Children's Hospital in Portland in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850. To view the obituary, sign the guest book or leave a condolence on-line, visit www.danielschapel.com