Keith Bergstrom

Keith Bergstrom was born in 1978, in Hinsdale, Illinois, to Cynthia and Eric Bergstrom. A few years later, Keith’s brother Craig was born. During his formative years, Keith lived in Chicago, IL, Plano, TX, Reading, PA, and Charleston, SC.

After graduating with honors from Governor Mifflin High School in Shillington, PA, Keith enrolled in the University of Delaware and graduated in 2001 with a BA in English Literature and Language. He then earned an MBA in Marketing Management from Goldey-Beacom College, graduating with highest honors and an MBA Leadership Award.

Keith was curious about the world and loved to travel. He explored many countries and experienced many cultures. He rode along with eagle hunters in Mongolia, skied in Chile, visited the museums of Paris, ran a marathon in Italy, and studied Shakespeare in England. He also explored some of the best parts of the USA. By all accounts, he was an expert trip planner, and those fortunate enough to go with him always had the best time.

A true Renaissance man, Keith had many interests and was skilled in many areas: skiing (and ski instructing), running, cycling (riding in Bike to the Bay to raise funds for Multiple Sclerosis research), photography, and mandolin, to name a few. He was even ordained as a minister and performed marriage ceremonies for several of his friends.

You could most often find Keith somewhere in a state park hiking, biking, or kayaking. He loved nature and knew a lot about trees, birds, and all kinds of wildlife. He was a Delaware State Parks volunteer, participating in a variety of conservation projects, and he monitored kestrel nests for the Delaware Kestrel Partnership.

The extent of Keith’s interests was so wide that it’s impossible to list them all, but among his favorites were baseball, football, and hockey (Chicago Cubs, Bears, and Blackhawks), UD Blue Hens, golf, art, film, theater, gaming, pool, poker, and hosting Thanksgiving dinners. His smoked turkey and Bergstrom Bourbon Brew were legendary. His greatest loves were music and literature.

Keith’s passion for music—everything from Phish to folk music—led him to bluegrass and the mandolin, which he took up in his thirties. He loved jamming with friends. One of his greatest joys was attending the DelFest Academy every year to study mandolin with some of the greatest musicians in bluegrass. He treasured the bonds he made there with his fellow musicians. The Academy ends with a band competition. Twice, Keith experienced the thrill of winning and the exhilaration of performing on stage in front of an audience of cheering fans at the start of the festival.

His love of literature and education brought him to the doorstep of Prestwick House, Inc., an educational publisher dedicated to English language arts. Hired straight out of college, Keith made his home in Delaware, where the company is located. For nearly 25 years, he thrived at a company he loved, in a career that was a perfect fit for him. He gained experience in many areas of the company, developing the customer service, product development, marketing, management, and other skills that led to his position as president. Keith was known for his friendly, easygoing personality, sense of humor, intellect, and strong work ethic.

Keith was diagnosed with cancer in January 2026, and it quickly became a fight for his life. He battled courageously against an uncontrollable opponent. Surrounded by his family, he died on March 17, 2026, at age 47.

Keith was devoted to his family: his beloved fiancée, Darlene Gilmore; mother, Cindy; brother, Craig; and half-brother, Carey; Darlene’s children, whom Keith loved as his own: Caitlin (Joe) Geddis; Brennen Gilmore and girlfriend Juli Kyritsis; and grandchildren, Carter and Logan Geddis, who will always miss their Pops. Keith is also survived by his aunt and uncle, Marsha and George, and many other aunts, uncles, and cousins. He will be dearly missed by his many friends and colleagues as well. Keith’s father and his aunt Vicki preceded him in death.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 9th, at Nichols-Gilmore Funeral Home, 212 E. Justis St, Newport, DE. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m.

 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Keith’s memory to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Sarcoma Foundation of America, the Waterwheel Foundation, or your favorite charity.