Robert J. Luedeka
The Polyurethane Foam Association has announced that Robert J. Luedeka passed away March 31 at the age of 69. A graduate of the University of Denver where he received a bachelor’s degree in marketing and mass communications, Luedeka served as PFA’s executive director from 2005 until his retirement in 2018. Prior to that, he was an advertising agency executive for more than 25 years, working for industry clients in the foam sector.
During his tenure at PFA, Luedeka was instrumental in helping establish CertiPUR-US, an independent nonprofit organization that certifies whether flexible polyurethane foam used in mattresses and other consumer products meets certain standards. That organization recognized Luedeka’s important role in this effort by awarding him its first Outstanding Leadership Award in 2017.
“(The International Sleep Products Association) worked closely and successfully with Bob Luedeka and PFA for many years on a variety of industry issues, including flammability, chemical regulations and recycling,” said Ryan Trainer, president of ISPA, the bedding industry trade group with headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. “We also supported his vision in helping create CertiPUR-US, which has been very helpful in providing retailers and consumers with accurate information about the polyurethane foam in their mattresses. We extend our condolences to Bob’s family for their loss.”
According to PFA, a memorial service for Luedeka will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, April 27 at First Baptist Church of Tellico Village in Loudon, Tennessee. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Kirkwood Children’s Chorale, P.O. Box 220256, Kirkwood, MO 63122. KCC is an award-winning children’s choir based in the St. Louis area.
