Joseph Valentine Volltrauer, 87, Passes Away in Mountain Home

Volltrauer, a successful businessman and family man, was inducted into the Fastener Hall of Fame in 2022.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Joseph Valentine Volltrauer, a 87-year-old resident of Mountain Home, Arkansas, passed away on February 3, 2026. Volltrauer was born in Yugoslavia and immigrated to the United States at the age of 14. He went on to have a successful career in tool and die making, eventually founding his own plastics company, Volt Plastics, in 1992. Volltrauer was recognized for his innovation in the field when he was inducted into the Fastener Hall of Fame in 2022.

Why it matters

Volltrauer's story highlights the American dream, as he immigrated to the U.S. as a teenager and went on to build a successful business and family life. His induction into the Fastener Hall of Fame also speaks to his technical expertise and contributions to the industry.

The details

After meeting his wife Erwine Ott at a German dance hall in Chicago, Volltrauer pursued an education in tool and die making. He worked for JV Tool in Chicago before relocating to Mountain Home, Arkansas in 1975. There, he established Centennial Plastics and later founded Volt Plastics on his birthday in 1992. Volltrauer took great pride in the success of his business, which remains vital in its 33rd year.

Volltrauer was born on June 1, 1938 in Pardan, Yugoslavia.
At age 14, Volltrauer and his family emigrated to the United States.
Volltrauer married Erwine Ott on October 31, 1959 in Chicago, Illinois.
Volltrauer and his wife relocated to Mountain Home, Arkansas in 1975.
Volltrauer founded Volt Plastics on June 1, 1992 as a birthday gift to himself.
Volltrauer was inducted into the Fastener Hall of Fame in 2022.

The players