Kathryn Bender, 1951-2026: Engineer, Mother and Community Volunteer
PLACERVILLE, Calif. — Kathryn Bender, a mechanical engineer who entered a field where women were historically underrepresented, a longtime volunteer and a devoted mother and grandmother, died Sept. 22, 2026. She was 75.
Bender, who lived in Placerville, built a life that spanned New Jersey, Louisiana and California, combining a professional career in engineering with a longstanding commitment to community service and family.
Her published obituary, carried by The Star-Ledger in New Jersey, recounts a life marked by academic achievement, environmental initiative and family ties that continued after her move to California.
Breaking barriers in mechanical engineering
Born Aug. 1, 1951, Bender grew up in Stanhope, New Jersey, as the oldest of eight children. Her parents, Fred and Lorraine Bender, preceded her in death.
As a young person, she participated actively in 4-H and Girl Scouts. She later established a glass bottle recycling program in Stanhope, demonstrating an early interest in practical community improvement.
Bender earned a bachelor’s degree from St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, New Jersey, before continuing her education at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken.
There, she earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering and became one of the early women to achieve that milestone at the institution, according to her obituary. Stevens Institute has also recognized Bender among its alumnae in its historical coverage of women who helped shape the university.
At a time when women remained underrepresented in engineering, her educational achievement marked a significant professional accomplishment.
Following graduation, Bender worked for Exxon in Linden, New Jersey, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, beginning a career that took her beyond her home state.
Building a family in California
In 1984, Bender married Steve Haag and moved to California. Together, they raised four children: Jason, Kevin, Joy and Misty.
Her son Kevin preceded her in death.
The family found community through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which remained an important part of their lives. Bender’s story thus connected her early years in the Northeast with the family and faith community she helped establish in California.
Her obituary remembers her not only for her professional accomplishments but also for the care she gave to the next generation.
It describes her as “a loving and caring grandmother,” a tribute to the relationships that formed a central part of her life.
Her grandchildren are Amber, Angel, Ashley, Arielle, Avery, Algerey, Arabella, Amela and Able.
Remembering Kathryn Bender in Placerville
For the Placerville community, Bender’s passing marks the loss of a resident whose life reflected both professional determination and a commitment to others.
Her path from a large family in New Jersey to a career in engineering and, ultimately, family life in California offers a portrait of a woman whose accomplishments extended beyond the workplace.
Her early involvement in youth organizations and her initiative to create a local recycling program also reflect a history of civic engagement that began long before her California years.
Memorial service scheduled for Nov. 8
Family and friends will have an opportunity to celebrate Bender’s life during a memorial service scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 8, from 2 to 4 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Placerville, according to her published obituary.
Bender was born Aug. 1, 1951, and died Sept. 22, 2026, at age 75.
She is survived by her husband, Steve Haag; children Jason, Joy and Misty; her siblings Joseph, Sharon, Edward, Raymond and Fred; and nine grandchildren. Her brothers Bruce and Michael, her son Kevin, and her parents, Fred and Lorraine, preceded her in death.
Source: Kathryn Bender’s published obituary in The Star-Ledger.
