Rudolph L. Hoeltzel ’57

Rudolph died Oct. 24, 2014, of complications from cancer.

He graduated from Scarsdale High School in Scarsdale, N.Y., Princeton, and Harvard Business School. Rudolph worked in advertising, marketing, and consumer products. He led the team that created the slogan “Try it, you’ll like it” for Alka-Seltzer, and led the creation of Flintstones vitamins. He also worked for Sandoz Pharmaceuticals in various European units, his favorite being the headquarters in Basel, Switzerland.

Rudolph spent some of his happiest times transforming the landscape around his home and hiking, either the Appalachian Trail, of which he completed more than 2,000 miles, or with the local Monday Mountain Boys. A man of great character and compassion for others, he never failed to offer a hand when he saw a need.

In 1962, he married Mary Arnold Ball. Rudolph was involved in several nonprofit organizations and was a co-author of the book Responsible Drinking: A Moderation Management Approach for Problem Drinkers. He was very active in the Berkshires as a year-round resident and board member of the Stockbridge Library.

Rudolph is survived by Mary Ball Hoeltzel, his wife of 52 years; daughter Gretchen; son Lloyd; and granddaughter Sylvie. He will be greatly missed by the Class of 1957.