Name: Viewing for Keith Bergstrom
Start: 2023-01-14T00:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-01-14T02:00:00.000Z
Location: Broomhead Funeral Home - Riverton

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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Deseret News from Jan. 11 to Jan. 13, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Keith Bergstrom

Sponsored by Broomhead Funeral Home - Riverton.

23 Entries

Sylvia Lustig Bennion

June 29, 2025

Mr. Bergstrom was my German teacher at Granite High School. He was a fine teacher and a gentle soul. I used the German I learned from him when I was on my honeymoon in Germany -- many, many years ago.

Joel Crockett

February 5, 2023

He was a kind man. I remember him from High School at Granite High. 1966.

Silver Ridge Dental Care

January 16, 2023

Dear Bergstrom Family,
All of us at Silver Ridge Dental Care want you to know how much Keith will be missed at our office. When we would see his name on our schedule, it brightened our day! He would come in with his bright smile and optimistic attitude, showering us with his witty comments and stories. We are so grateful that we knew Keith and had the chance see him at least every 6 months. Our love to you all.

Margaret Layh

January 16, 2023

I remember when he was the Bishop of the Eldedge Ward in the 1950´s my father William Mincher Halls was his counselor Keith was a good man.

Carol Rich Brown

January 15, 2023

One of the finest men I have known. He blessed the lives of so many students, teachers, and members. Sincere condolences to his family.

Marilyn Monson

January 14, 2023

Dear Bergstrom Family,
Sending my love & prayers to all of you at this tender time. Your loving father was my stake president when I was younger, I loved & cherished your dear mother, & I have many fond & fun memories attending Bingham High with Scott & Robin, & Kevin & Patty. What a wonderful family, blessed by a stalwart patriarch & matriarch at the helm. Thank you for your examples. May the Lord bless & comfort you all & bring you peace in the days ahead.
(It was a beautiful & fitting service today.)
With love & sympathy,
Marilyn (Neilson) Monson

Frank McCullough

January 14, 2023

I have immense respect and love for Keith. Myself and other students who had school program management responsibilities leaned heavily upon Keith's intuition, experience, guidance, concern, inspiration and love to help us meet the goals we had set. Thanks Mr. Bergstrom.

Sylvia Ursenbach Christensen

January 14, 2023

I remember many conversations with "Mr. Bergstrom" at Granite High school. He was always kind and understanding of the challenges I faced with health issues. My prayers go out to his family.

Ruth Combs Edvalson

January 14, 2023

I cried tears of joy when this amazing pair are together again. When living in Riverton, I met Ilogene and we became fast friends. We directed a musical play, and when I sang with her, I sounded like I had a big voice, but it was hers. she was great fun. Pres. Bergstrom was an inspiration to me, giving me many blessings when needed. Later he sealed my husband and I in the Jordan River Temple. Your example dear friend has inspired me and will all my days, as I know you have with so many in your presence. I can just imagine you two up there with the light you carry. I´d love to sing with you again Ilogene, and see your loving smile, Mr. wonderful. Until then, your friend, with love, Ruth

Valerie Colby

January 13, 2023

I served in the office of the Jordan River Temple. President Bergstrom set me alert as a temple worker. He was my children’s principal at Cottonwood High School where I served on the PTA. I am so thankful for my friendship with this great man. Thank you President for your life that blessed mine.

Ronnie Williams

January 13, 2023

I was a ministering brother to Patriarch Bergstrom, as I knew him, just for a short time upon moving into the Riverton 4th ward. During our visits, he taught me so much more than I ever taught him and showed a love for God and the scriptures that I had never before seen in anyone else. It didn’t take long for me to develop a love and respect for this wonderful man. I’m a better person today for having known Patriarch Bergstrom.

John Bergstrom

January 12, 2023

Keith was my great-uncle, my paternal grandfather's younger brother. He was also my high school principal for my first 2 years at Skyline High. I remember talking to him at length one day (as a young 15-year old) and suggesting jokingly, "Hey, now you can change my grades to straight-A's!" He got a big belly laugh out of the joke. (never changed my grades of course)
After he transferred to Cottonwood High and changes in familial situations contributed to me losing touch with Keith, which I regretted. But he seemed like someone who could see and appreciate the lighter side of life. He was one of the good ones...
And we should all be so lucky to get 94 years on this earth.

Norma Bench

January 12, 2023

We know that the time must come for all of us, but it is still a little unsettling when someone you have known for a long time, passes away. As Stake President, he called me to be Stake Young Women's President and we worked on many programs together. Our Stake then covered Riverton, Bluffdale, Herriman and Lark - time has changed and I could not even guess how many Stakes there are now covering the same area. He was (and is) a great man that I respected in so many ways.
Love and condolences to the family.

Patty Bergstrom

January 12, 2023

My father-in-law was my listener, counselor, wise beyond wise, loving and caring sooo much. In the year 2000, he helped me thru life changing plans to go to wheelchair (MS). I was happy to be teaching at CHS, where he retired from, which meant that MORE people were so kind. And most interesting was that his wife passed away that year in March, sadness for Him and us all, but Keith continued to be strong and talked to me many nights on the phone, then and later as time passed.
Now, I cherish our personal talks and I´ll miss Him, but I´m soooo happy that he´s reunited with Ige and other family members. Somehow, I will still feel his presence giving me confidence.

Matt Gallacher

January 12, 2023

President Bergstrom was a father-figure to my own father and he later gave me my patriarchal blessing 24 years ago. He was always a highly respected spiritual leader and someone my dad always talked about. He made a large impact in this world.

Ken Gallacher

January 12, 2023

President Bergstrom, as I've always known him, played perhaps one of the biggest roles of any leader I had in my life. From the time I was 11 to the time I went on my mission, he was my stake president and I adored him. I kept contact with him ever since. I couldn't praise him enough and just loved his Christlike example, his advice to me over the years, and I credit him with being one of the most influential people I ever knew. Heaven wouldn't be heaven without him. My wife and I just loved our visits with him through the years and his life of devotion to Christ was remarkable beyond words. I had him sign the base of the Christus statue in our home. I truly loved him, am so grateful for his involvement in helping me be a better person, and hope to continue our dear friendship in the eternities.

Burgess Family

January 12, 2023

Merril and I have known your father for many years.
He has been a big part of our lives. Keith was both of our History teachers at Granite High and Merril's bishop for several years. Keith aways said that he was indirectly responsible for our eight kids. He has been involved with our family for over 60 years. We love, respect and revere him.
We are so thankful for all he has done for us throughout our lives. We know no one better.
We send our sincere sympathy to your family and know how happy he is to finally be with your wonderful mom.

Patty Bergstrom

January 12, 2023

Keith, my father-in-law has been my listener and counselor! In the very year, 2000 when I should have been consoling him cause his wife passed in March, he helped me!
My MS caused me to go to a wheelchair, my oldest daughter was married and gone, my son left on a mission, my younger 2 daughters were teenagers, I was teaching at CHS were Keith had just retired from, and my husband was so busy in his job w/mayor of SLC.
So many emotions and life changes that year but Keith was there for me when I called in tears several nights. And many nights since that time he has continued to listen and give me much wisdom and I´ve felt his comforting concern and love which I am so grateful for and will miss dearly. . .

Sherie Jensen

January 12, 2023

Wonderful man. My mom (Annette Jensen) and I send our condolences. He told my mom last time she saw him that his suitcase was packed by the door waiting for family to come get him. Wonderful Stake President and the kindest man. So happy he is reunited with his sweetheart Ilogene and sons.

Eileen Burt

January 12, 2023

Deepest condolences to the Bergstrom family at this time. He had to be a great man. He raised some awesome children. Neal, Linda - love to you and all of your family

Jourdan

January 12, 2023

Keith was always so good to me. He guided and counseled me when I was young. He sealed Corinne and I. I admire and love him.

Jo Lene Mogensen Lenhart

January 12, 2023

My sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Bergstrom, (as I knew him by, as one of his students at Granite). He was a great teacher.

Colleen Burrows Van Wagoner

January 12, 2023

I absolutely loved and adored Pres. Bergstrom. When we moved to Riverton in 1966 and was in the Riverton 4th ward, he was our Sunday School Teacher. Come to find out my husband Ray was taught by him at Granite High school. Then I found out he was in the same ward as my Grandma Beeny on 3900 South and 5th West when your folks lived in that area. In 1995 my parents were sealed in the Jordan River Temple and it was your dad who performed the sealing. He was the greatest Stake President and I so admired him and your mother. Love and comfort at this time and so thankful for the gospel that brings joy to so many at this time, both on this side and on the other side. Colleen Van Wagoner.

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