In Memoriam: Dr. George G. Maltenfort

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Dr. George G. Maltenfort was a highly respected, long-time member of TAPPI who made innumerable contributions to the paper industry. Dr. Maltenfort distinguished himself in advancing pulp, paper, and converting technologies, particularly in the corrugated shipping containers arena. He published 50+ works for TAPPI. Among his more noted publications are two books: Corrugated Shipping Containers – An Engineering Approach and Performance and Evaluation of Shipping Containers. In addition to his many publications printed in English, he had dozens of others printed in German.

Dr. Maltenfort served on numerous TAPPI boards and committees relating to corrugated containers and associated R&D, and served with other international organizations as well. A TAPPI member since 1947, he was presented the Corrugated Containers Division Award in 1967. He was nominated into the TAPPI Fellowship in 1971, and received the 1979 TAPPI Medal by the association's board of directors, the highest honor that the association can bestow upon an individual. Until his retirement in 1978, Dr. Maltenfort  was the long-serving technical director of the Container Division Laboratory of Container Corporation of America, Chicago, Ill., USA.

Born August, 13, 1913, in Landsberg Germany, Dr. Maltenfort came to the U.S. in 1928 at the age of 15. He graduated from Lake View High School in Chicago in 1930. From 1930-32 he attended Northwestern University where he majored in organic chemistry. In 1932-33 he attended the University of Frankfurt in Germany before returning to the U.S. to graduate with a B.S. degree from the University of Illinois. During World War II he served in the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of major. After the war he joined Container Corp. in 1946, the company he would loyally serve until his retirement in 1978.

Dr. Maltenfort married and had one daughter. He was an avid reader and enjoyed stamp collecting as well as engaging in games of chess. There seems little doubt, due to the immense volume of contributions made to the industry, that George Maltenfort will be honored in future achievement awards for the paper industry. He is survived by his daughter, Gloria, as well as two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.