Eugene Grossman

Eugene Ernest Grossman, 82, died October 31, 2025, in Cancun, Mexico.

A memorial and celebration of life was held in Cancun, Mexico. 

Burial took place in McGregor.

Eugene was born October 1, 1943, to Ernest and Rose (Edwards) Grossman in Bertha. He graduated from Staples High School, class of 1961 and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Minnesota Duluth. He was united in marriage to Carol Farah on September 10, 1966, in McGregor. He then earned his doctorate in psychology from the University of Arkansas. Gene joined the U.S. Army as a research psychologist which moved him to several states, eventually bringing him and his family to Hermantown.

Once back in Minnesota, and retired from the Army, Gene became a professor of psychology and statistics at the University of Minnesota Duluth, where he remained until retirement. Their home in Hermantown  was an 80 acre ‘hobby’ farm where Gene would typically be found taking care of his livestock. Gene and Carol eventually built a home in Tamarack, close to Carol’s family in McGregor and remained there until Carol’s passing in 2012.

Gene met Mary Ann Pettit and moved to her home in Gordon, WI. Gene had a passion for exercise and being active, which is something he found his equal in with Mary Ann. She introduced Gene to golf and as anything he took an interest in, he soon became obsessed. Additionally, Mary Ann introduced Gene to Mexico. Once he experienced an alternative to the frigid Midwest winters, he would spend his remaining years traveling from Wisconsin to Mexico to be with friends from all over the world.

Gene is survived by his partner, Mary Ann Pettit; three children, Brett (Stephanie) Grossman, Forest Grove, OR, Christi (Jeff) Hegstad, Ankeny, IA, Alia (Bob Wood) Farah, Portland, OR; five grandchildren, Ryan and Owen Grossman and Brittany, Jonah and Josh Hegstad; two sisters, Judy Harris and Deb Smith-Utes and many other relatives and friends.

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