Phyllis A. Hohenwald, former CEO/owner of Spartan Promotional Group (PPAI 108688, D7) and longtime promotional products industry executive, passed away March 23 peacefully and surrounded by family. She was 87.
Hohenwald’s late husband, Al, served on the PPAI Board Directors and the Upper Midwest Association of Promotional Professionals (UMAPP) board. In 2013, Phyllis and Al received UMAPP’s Lifetime Achievement Award for their dedication to the promotional products industry and contributions to UMAPP.
A native of Odin, Minnesota, Phyllis married Al in 1957. They founded several businesses together over the years, including Minnesota-based distributor Spartan in 1966. In its infancy, Spartan operated out of the Hohenwalds’ garage. Today, it has 80 independent sales executives located throughout the U.S.
Al passed away in 2020 at age 87. Today, Phyllis and Al’s three sons (Mark, Mike and Paul) are Spartan owners and two daughters-in-law (Cori, Teri) work for Spartan.
In an obituary, Phyllis is remembered for “her quick smile, big laughter and kind heart.” She loved spending time with her family, business families and friends.
Phyllis is preceded in death by Al (aka Art/Skeets), siblings and granddaughter Rachel. She is survived by her children Mark (Cori), Mike (Terri), Paul (Diana); grandchildren Michael, Nicole, Nick, Katie, Allen; great-grandchildren, Andrew, Olivia, Declan, Jaxon, Norah.
The funeral service was held last Thursday, March 30, 2023. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to King of Kings Lutheran Church (Woodbury, Minnesota), the American Cancer Society or donor’s choice.
