Valenta, 69, Former President of Eltosch America, Passes

MANITOWISH WATERS, WI—Rudy Valenta, a 45-year printing industry veteran, passed away at 69 years of age at his home here on Nov. 8. He was most recently president of Eltosch America in Brookfield, WI.

"Rudy Valenta came to Eltosch America in 2001 where he spent the next seven years until his retirement in July of 2008," said Niels Frederiksen, president, Adphos North America. "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 up’s and down’s in the market. 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."

Prior to joining Eltosch, Mr. Valenta was senior product manager for sheetfed presses at manroland and its predecessor company, Rockwell International/Miehle in Westmont, IL, where he was previously manager of Miehle’s Demonstration and Training Center. Valenta got his start as a pressman and was later promoted to lead pressman for Unique Printers & Lithographers in Cicero, IL, where he honed his trade.