Ida Keil

“If there’s no chocolate or licorice in Heaven, I’m not going!”

Ida Keil (nee Dahl) of Wayne, N.J. died on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at the age of 93. She has lived in Wayne since 1954.

Ida grew up in Copenhagen, Denmark, enduring World War II and Nazi occupation throughout her childhood and the better part of her teenage years. She recalled that her father worked at the world-famous Tivoli Gardens Amusement Park in Copenhagen, and her mother was a barber. After the war, Ida ventured to America, planning to visit for just one year while staying with relatives and working at the family bakery in Passaic, N.J. Her plans to return to Denmark were interrupted after a blind date with the handsome George Keil from Union City, N.J. Although George had a bit of a wild side, with Ida describing him early on as “untrainable,” she said “yes” when George proposed. They married on May 2, 1954 and honeymooned in Copenhagen. This was the first opportunity for Ida’s parents to meet George, and her mother’s greatest concern was his German heritage. “But he’s German, Ida. What will you do if there’s another war?” Well, in short time Ida’s mother came to adore George and the family embraced their union. Throughout the years, Ida and George returned to Denmark on many occasions to visit her family. George and Ida also traveled throughout the world, visiting more than 75 countries and embarking on many cruises. Ida even continued traveling after George passed away in 2004, taking a 15-week cruise around the world by herself. During their 50 years of marriage, they worked together every day, keeping each other grounded and truly enjoying their years together.

Ida’s children recall what an excellent cook she was—her seafood strudel was famous at holiday dinners. Her kitchen skills were exceptional, though it would be unfair to say that everything turned out perfectly, proving that the day she tossed a flaming toaster out the kitchen window. Ida was also very serious about her fitness, swimming across Pines Lake many mornings with her dog swimming alongside in her earlier years until later keeping this tradition alive by swimming daily in her pool. Ida enjoyed golfing as a member of the North Jersey Country Club and at the Island Country Club in Marco Island, Fla., where her and George had a home for many years. Whether she was golfing or playing cards at the club, she proved to be a competitive woman. She became a ‘widow card shark’ of sorts, taking home more than her share of quarters. Ida was also a wonderful grandmother to her three grandchildren, frequently baking with them, teaching them her native tongue and hosting tea parties with them. She was loved dearly by her family. She had an adventurous spirit and was always on the move—truly enjoyed her life to the fullest.

Ida is survived by her four daughters, Susan Kocay and her husband Kenneth of Sanford, Fla, Annette Carr and her husband Ron of Wayne, Barbara Keil of Wayne and Katherine Keil and her partner Leo Russ of New York, N.Y.; her three grandchildren, Lisa Kocay, Annalise Carr and ErinRose Carr; as well as her brother, Benny Yde Dahl of Copenhagen, Denmark. Ida was predeceased by her beloved husband, George in 2004 and her two brothers.

Donations in Ida’s memory would be appreciated to Messiah Lutheran Church, 228 Ramapo Valley Rd., Oakland, N.J. 07436, or donate online at the church website; www.messiahoaklandnj.org.