Ben Grossen

Ben Frank Grossen, 91, of Helvetia, Oregon, passed away on October 3, 2026.

Ben was born on September 27, 1935, in Hillsboro, Oregon, to Peter Fred and Marie (Sigrist) Grossen. The youngest of six boys, he grew up in Helvetia alongside his five older brothers, Wilfred (Bill), Albert (Al), Elmer, Roy, and Glen. He attended Rock Creek School and later West Union School before continuing his education at Hillsboro High School. During his youth, Ben was an active member of 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA), developing an early passion for agriculture that would remain with him throughout his life.

Ben proudly served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956 and was stationed in Büdingen, Germany. When he learned he would be stationed in Büdingen, he saw it as an opportunity to visit Switzerland and find his mother’s cousin and best friend, Maria Haefliger, using old letters and photos his aunt, Susanna Sigrist Yungen had kept. These visits were among his fondest memories and strengthened a lifelong connection to his Swiss heritage.

Proud of his Swiss roots, Ben regularly attended dances at the Swiss Hall in Helvetia, where he met Alice Baggenstos. The two were married on July 24, 1959, at Helvetia Community Church. They purchased a home next door to Ben's childhood home, where they raised their three children, Teresa, Jeffrey, and David, on their dairy farm. Ben remained in that home for the rest of his life.

Following his military service, Ben began a 32 year career at Tektronix, retiring in 1988. Alongside his work at Tektronix, he was an avid farmer, growing a variety of crops and establishing a dairy farm with Alice in 1969. Together, they operated the farm until 2002.

Following his retirement from farming, Ben enjoyed spending more time pursuing some of his favorite hobbies including crabbing, clamming, and salmon fishing. He and Alice also enjoyed traveling together in their camper, exploring Oregon and beyond.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, neighbor, and friend, Ben was known for his ability to fix just about anything and his willingness to lend a helping hand. He was a member of Helvetia Community Church and served as both a member and chairman of the West Union School Board. Ben took great pride in his community and Swiss heritage, sharing his love of both with his children and grandchildren.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents, Peter Fred and Marie Grossen; and his five older brothers, Bill, Al, Elmer, Roy, and Glen.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Alice Grossen; his children, Teresa (Gary) Brandt, Jeffrey Grossen, and David (Jackie) Grossen; and his grandchildren, Aliceson, Hank, and Maria (Dylan).

A graveside service will be held on October 17 at 1:00 p.m. at Helvetia Community Church, followed by a celebration of life at Eagles Nest Reserve in Helvetia, Oregon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Washington County 4-H. Checks may be made out to Oregon 4-H Foundation with “Washington County 4-H” noted in the memo line & mailed to:
Oregon 4-H Foundation
4238 SW Research Way
Corvallis, OR 97333-1068