Arthur (Al) Hohenwald, founder of Oakdale, MN-based Spartan Promotional Group (asi/331150), passed away on Oct. 18. He was 87.

Born in St. Paul, MN, Hohenwald joined the United States Marine Corps and then became a police officer. He was moonlighting as a motorcycle escort at funerals in 1966 when he met a funeral director who needed pencils with his company’s name on them. Hohenwald sold 250 of them to him for about $30. That inspired he and his wife Phyllis to launch Spartan Promotional Group in the laundry room of their house in 1966.

Greatly admired in the promotional products industry, he served on the PPAI Board of Directors/ PPAI Directors Alumni Association in various positions over the years. “Al taught me the art of the soft sell,” Gordy Jones, a longtime friend and Spartan salesman since 1985, told Pioneer Press. “He taught me how to talk to people like they were your friend, because soon they will be. If you treat people kindly, give them a good deal, it will all come back to you.”

Hohenwald is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Phyllis; children Mark (Cori), Michael (Terri), Paul (Diana); grandchildren, Michael, Nicole, Nick, Katie, Allen; and great-grandchildren Andrew, Olivia, Jaxon, Norah.

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, a private family memorial service will be held on Oct. 23 with live stream information available at www.ohalloranmurphy.com/obituary/Al-Hohenwald.

To share memories or condolences, email phyllishohenwald@spartanpromo.com.