Harry Spiegelberg’s journey from a farm in New London to
a renowned figure in the paper industry is a testament to his
dedication and expertise. Excelling academically from a young age, he was valedictorian of his high school class
and participated in forensics. He pursued a degree in
Chemical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, graduating in 1959. During his time at UW-Madison, Harry joined ROTC and continued his service in the reserves
eventually reaching the rank of Captain.
Upon graduation, Harry joined Kimberly-Clark where his
career flourished. He continued his education, earning a master’s degree in chemistry from Lawrence University, followed by a Ph.D. in Physics from the Institute of Paper Chemistry. In 1980, he further expanded his expertise with an MBA from the University of Chicago.
At Kimberly-Clark, Harry’s career trajectory was impressive. Starting as an Engineer, he swiftly advanced through various roles, including Research Chemist, Superintendent of New Product Concepts, Director of R&D, Director of Feminine Care R&D, Director of Household Products R&D, Director of Tissue Products R&D, Vice President of Consumer Tissue Research and finally, Vice President of Technology and Patent Strategy.
Harry’s passion for innovation and problem-solving was evident throughout his career. His Ph.D. thesis, “The Effect of Hemicelluloses on the Properties of Individual Pulp Fibers,” underscored his deep understanding of the paper industry. He was a prolific inventor, credited with numerous U.S. and international patents. Notably, he co-invented a method to enhance the internal bulk, absorbency, softness, and strength of tissue products. Another significant invention was an antiviral tissue designed to inactivate viruses causing the common cold. Although developed in the mid-1980s, regulatory challenges delayed its commercialization until the 1990s.
Beyond his technical contributions, Harry co-founded the Paper Industry International Hall of Fame. Kimberly-Clark’s Atlas paper mill became home to the Hall of Fame and the Paper Discovery Center, now known as Atlas Science Center. Harry served in various leadership roles for the Hall of Fame, including Vice-Chairman, Chairman and CEO.
Harry’s community involvement extended beyond his professional achievements. He was an active member of his church and Rotary, served on the Institutional Review Board of Theda Clark Health System and was a steadfast supporter of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His multifaceted contributions to both the industry and his community highlight a legacy of innovation, leadership
and service.
