Background
Mahler, Ernst was born on October 17, 1887 in Austria. Son of Sigmund and Ida Mahler.
Mahler, Ernst was born on October 17, 1887 in Austria. Son of Sigmund and Ida Mahler.
He went to Darmstadt, Germany to attend Darmstadt University of Technology, and studied industrial chemistry, specializing in cellulose chemistry and the science of papermaking. He graduated with distinction in 1912.
Mahler developed, refined, and commercialized various popular products and processes of papermaking. He was also instrumental in the foundation of the Institute of Paper Science and Technology (IPST) as well as the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (Technical Association of Pulp and Paper Industry). Mahler came to the United States in 1912 and became a naturalized citizen in 1917.
He took employment with Kimberly-Clark in Neenah, Wisconsin, and served as the papermaking company"s head chemistry
Mahler spearheaded research and development at his company, and perfected numerous innovative chemical processes. His development of creped wadding, a soft and fluffy absorbent material, became over time one of Kimberley-Clark"s most important products and the source of billions of dollars in global sales.
During World War I, creped wadding made from paper had been developed as a cotton substitute for surgical dressings. Under Mahler"s commercialization process, it became the basis of such well-known products as Kleenex and Kotex.
Mahler rose through the corporate hierarchy from chemist to Executive Vice President in 1937.
He led Kimberly-Clark until his retirement in 1952. The United States Army Service Forces appointed Mahler to their purchase policy division during World World War World War II After the war, he spent further time as a consultant for the reconstitution of papermaking industries in Belgium, Holland, France and Germany. Mahler served on the Board of Directors of the Neenah West National Bank, and was an active town resident and civic leader.
Mahler Park remains in steady use as a popular public park to the present day.
Mahler died on July 30, 1967, and was buried in an Episcopal service at Oak Hill Cemetery in Neenah. Mahler was widely recognized for his contributions to paper technology and business.
Technical Association of Pulp and Paper Industry bestowed its gold award for industry contributions in 1932, and IPST appointed him as an honorary chairman. His alma mater Darmstadt augmented his 1912 degree with an honorary doctorate of engineering in 1958.
Honorary degrees were also bestowed to him by Lawrence University and Brown University.
In 1996, Mahler was named posthumously to the Paper Industry International Hall of Fame.
Member American Delaware Allied Commision on Reparations.
Married Carol Rogers Lyon, August 24, 1918. Children: Pauline Lyon (Mistress Richard East. Stafford), Ernst.