Katherine ‘Kay’ Mammen

Katherine “Kay” Mammen, 81, of Bridgewater, New Jersey, died Jan. 14, 2025, at Eastern Star Home in Bridgewater, New Jersey.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Lone Tree Cemetery in Sioux Rapids. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Sioux Rapids is in charge of the arrangements.

Katherine “Kay” Mammen was born in Iowa in 1944 and had an idyllic childhood growing up on her family’s farm, replete with a tree house, a horse and 4-H calves. She graduated from Milford High School, where she excelled academically and made lifelong friends.

Kay went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics, cum laude, from Butler University as well as a Master of Science degree in information technology from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, with honors. This educational background prepared her for an IT career with AT&T, with an additional five years employed by NJIT.

Kay’s many hobbies included sailing, gardening, and quilting. She was also a ham radio enthusiast and mastered the piano and the harp. In addition, Kay volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), providing a voice in court for a victim of child abuse. Her relationship with that child continued for the rest of her life, as did her support of CASA’s mission.

Kay is predeceased by her parents, Ed and Muriel Mammen; and her brother, Frank Mammen.

She is survived by cousins, Timothy Runkle of Texas, Karol Gafkjen of Iowa and Christine Runkel of California; as well as many other friends and family.

Kay’s deep intelligence, practical perspective, and generous heart created a unique and caring individual who will be deeply missed by those of us who were fortunate enough to know and love her.