Prior to joining Eltosch, Valenta was Senior Product Manager for sheetfed presses at manroland and its predecessor company, Rockwell International/Miehle

Rudy Valenta, a 45 year printing industry veteran passed away at 69 years of age at his home inManitowish Waters, Wisconsin on November 8, 2013.

From Pressman to President

During his long and impressive career, Valenta was most recently President of Eltosch America in Brookfield, Wisconsin.  “Rudy Valenta came to Eltosch America in 2001 where he spent the next 7 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 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,” said Niels Frederiksen, President, Adphos North America, Inc.

Prior to joining Eltosch, Valenta was Senior Product Manager for sheetfed presses at manroland and its predecessor company, Rockwell International/Miehle in Westmont, Illinois 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.

Valenta was elected President of the Lithographer’s Club of Chicago in 2001 and for nearly 10 years served on the entertainment committee and on the Board of Directors.

A graduate of Morton West High School in Berwyn, Illinois, Valenta joined the United States Air Force, where he did a stint in Greenland and also played in the elite Tops in Blue touring band until his discharge in 1968.

Valenta, who was a sheetfed printing, coating and drying expert and in demand presenter, had numerous industry friends, colleagues and loyal customers. He was an avid fisherman; collector of antique boats, cars and model trains and was an accomplished Cordovox accordion player, which he played at community events.

A former resident of Orland Park, Illinois, he is survived by his wife Char, two sons, Bill (Gretchen) and Steve (Samantha), granddaughter Aubrianna and a brother Michael.  Bill has followed his father’s passion for the printing industry and currently works for Premier Print and Services Group in Chicago following a stint at FCL Graphics in Harwood Heights, Illinois.

Services have been held in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin. Donations can be made to the Manitowish Waters Lions Club, where Valenta was an active member and was named Lion of the Year in 2008-2009. http://www.mwlionsclub.com