Rudy Valenta, a 45-year veteran of the North American printing industry, passed away at his home in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin, on November 8. He was 69.
Valenta most recently serviced as President of Eltosch America in Brookfield, Wisconsin, and previously held several prominent positions in North American printing, including Senior Product Manager for sheetfed presses at Man Roland and its predecessor company, Rockwell International/Miehle in Westmont, Illinois. He also spent time here as Manager of Miehle’s Demonstration and Training Center.
Valenta was elected President of the Lithographer’s Club of Chicago in 2001, hosted in one of the world’s most historic cities of printing, and for nearly 10 years served on the entertainment committee and on its Board of Directors.
Valenta got his start as a pressman 45 years ago and was later promoted to Lead Pressman for Unique Printers & Lithographers in Illinois, where he honed his trade.
“Rudy Valenta came to Eltosch America in 2001 where he spent the next seven years until his retirement in July of 2008. During this time, as President, he utilized his many years of experience and knowledge of the industry and technology to guide the company and employees through a transition to new owners, and through both ups and downs in the market,” said Niels Frederiksen, President, Adphos North America. “Rudy, who had grown up in the printing industry, from pressman to president, had an unprecedented knowledge that he was only too willing to share with everyone – and everyone could turn to him for advice and support. We will miss Rudy, and our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and family.”
Valenta, who was recognized as an expert in sheetfed printing, coating and drying, was also an avid fisherman, collector of antique boats, cars and model trains, and an accomplished Cordovox accordion player.
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