Keith Bergstrom

Keith LeRoy Bergstrom

1928-2023

Riverton, Utah-Keith LeRoy Bergstrom was peacefully reunited with his wife, parents, 2 sons and a grandson on January 9, 2023. He was 94.

Born at home in Salt Lake City on December 17, 1928, to Oscar Frithiof Bergstrom and Eva Teresia Lundborg.

Attended Granite High School and the University of Utah receiving a master's degree in Education Administration.

His father passed away while he was in High School, and he and his mother survived together while 3 older brothers fought in World War 2.

Because of the draft he was surprised to be called on an LDS mission to Sweden at 19.

He received a military deferral and served for 3 years under the Presidency of Clarence F. and Annie Blaylock Johnson. He took his marimba on his mission and performed throughout Sweden especially with a daughter of the Mission President who was known as "the little girl with the big voice."

After returning from his mission the draft board was waiting for him and was inducted within weeks and performed his military service. After attending language training school and other preparation he became part of Army Intelligence and posted in Cold War Europe.

A relationship developed by mail between Keith and the Mission President's daughter, Ilogene Johnson. Her mother chaperoned a visit in Austria and plans were made for the first LDS sanctioned marriage in Sweden and performed by his Father-in-law. His mother, Eva, was on a mission to Sweden at the time and was able to attend. The newlyweds returned to Europe while Keith finished his service.

They then returned to Utah to begin a new chapter in their life as they were expecting their first child. As we proceed to this point, life becomes a blur. College at the University and 4 children over the next 4 years. Keith also served as a Bishop in the Eldridge Ward in South Salt Lake.

After graduation Keith began teaching at Granite High in German and History. He was also a Counselor and Vice Principal at the school.

The family then made a big move to Riverton, Utah, where 4 more children blessed their lives. During this time Keith became the Principal at Westlake Jr. High. After a stint in the Granite School District, he became the Principal at Skyline and later Cottonwood High Schools. He also served as the Stake President for the LDS Church in Riverton.

After retirement Keith was called to be a Stake Patriarch and then served as the 2nd Counselor in the Jordan River Temple Presidency. After this, he served in several more Temple Presidencies as the Executive Secretary and as a Temple Sealer.

Keith spent many years of his life teaching in the LDS Church both in Gospel Doctrine and Priesthood Quorums. He loved that the most and was a master teacher of the Master.

His wife passed away in 2000 and he missed her dearly. He kept going by providing temple service and giving many Patriarchal Blessings. He loved watching his favorite old Movies and listening to his favorite old music. He enjoyed reading, especially the scriptures every day.

He is survived by 6 children, Scott and Robyn of Rexburg, Idaho; Kevin and Patty of Murray, Utah; Lisa Oakeson of Harriman, Utah: Karen of Riverton, Utah; Ann and Terry Cononelos of Millcreek, Utah; Neal and Linda of Bluffdale, Utah; and Craig and Camille of Riverton, Utah. His brother Elwin (100) lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. His wife, Ilogene Rae Johnson preceded him in death as well as his parents, sons Ronald Lee and Steven Lyn, and grandson Jake Nielson. 25 grandchildren and 46 great grandchildren are a huge part of his eternal blessings.

A viewing will be held at Broomhead Funeral Home, 12600 So. 2200 W. Riverton, Utah, on Friday, January 13, 2023, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday January 14, 2023, at the Riverton 4th Ward, 11970 So. 1940 W. Riverton, Utah. A viewing will also be available 1 hour before memorial service.