Ida Mae Kempel

April 6, 1928 – January 18, 2026 Alameda, California Mass of Christian Burial was held February 5, 2026, in Alameda, Cali., for Ida Mae Kempel, who passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on January 18, 2026.

Ida Mae was born on Good Friday, April 6, 1928, to John and Mary (Perius) Bergman in Langdon, N.D. She went to school at St. Alphonsus School in Langdon from grades 1-12. The priests and nuns of the school gave each student a bible and taught from it. They, along with her mother, planted the incredible seeds of faith that would carry Ida throughout her life. Ida met her future husband, Walter, when she was working at a diner in Langdon. Walter was on leave from the Air Force, came into the diner, and the two instantly clicked. They dated while Walter was home on leave and wrote to each other after he returned to his base. Upon graduating high school in 1946, Ida moved with her mother and younger siblings to join the rest of her family that had moved to Alameda, California. She attended Holy Names College in Oakland after arriving in California.

Walter followed her to California after he returned from the Air Force. They were married in 1948 at St. Joseph Church (now Basilica) and had their first child in November of 1949. They went on to raise eight more children together in Alameda.

Ida was always involved in her community, especially the church congregation. She was involved in her faith community as a Eucharistic Minister, a lecturer, a leader of the Charismatic Prayer Group, a member of the Carmelites and bible study groups. Ida also participated in St. Joseph school PTA; a writer’s group, Penwomen; a bowling league; and served as a volunteer for hospice. She was able to travel around the world to places like Rome, Medjugorje and Mexico to name a few. She had embarked on a pilgrimage on September 10, 2001, and found herself and her group stranded in Turkey the following morning, 9/11. She had quite an adventure just trying to get back home.

Writing was one of Ida’s many gifts. She authored several books and short stories and helped other authors with their writing projects. Her award-winning book “What was in Jeremy’s Egg?” is used in countless Easter Sunday sermons throughout the world. Other books tell of how her faith carried her through her family’s tragedies and triumphs.

Ida’s loving nature, beautiful smile and always-positive attitude will be missed. She was an exceptional mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend. Her faith was at the forefront of her life and was exhibited in everything she did. She was a dedicated prayer warrior who could be counted on to pray for you, counsel and console you during your darkest times and enlist other prayer warriors to join her on your behalf. She was truly a gift from God to us, and we were blessed to have her here for almost 98 years.

She will be deeply missed by her children: Charlene (Gary), Michael (Theresa), Robert (Mary), Karen (Steve), Annette (John), and Rachel; sisters Dolores and Elizabeth; and dozens of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husband Walter, daughter Mary Jo, and sons Lawrence and Paul (Mary).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Basilica in Alameda, Cali. Private interment to be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Hayward at a future date.