Apr 3, 2013

Wolfgang Engelmann Passes AwaySource: Hermann Engelmann Greenhouses

Wolfgang Engelmann, former president and COO of Hermann Engelmann Greenhouses, Apopka, Fla., passed away on March 30, after a battle with cancer.

“For a man surrounded by Exotic Angels, Wolfgang Engelmann remained surprisingly down to earth,” the company said in a press release.

Engelmann’s warmth and ability to connect with other people defined his life and the way he did business.

Born in Germany, Wolfgang moved to the United States with his family in 1961. He thrived in the family business and was proud to represent the sixth generation of Engelmanns in horticulture.

He saw the greenhouse his father founded in Apopka, Florida, in 1971 grow into one of the largest producers of houseplants in the world. Today, Hermann Engelmann Greenhouses, Inc. operates more than 3 million square feet of glass greenhouse and has 350 employees.

Wolfgang’s passion for developing creative horticultural products with “the consumer in mind” paid off. The company now offers more than 400 varieties of tropical foliage, branded as Exotic Angel Plants and sold by top retailers across the country.

His biggest strength was nurturing talented people. He understood how to inspire them and make them feel appreciated, therefore fostering a creative and productive work environment.

Wolfgang Engelmann survived by his wife, Amy, daughter Lauren, son Andrew, mother Anneliese, stepfather Joe, brother Hermann, sister Victoria and extended family in the United States and Germany.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Cancer Research Institute at MD Anderson Cancer Center Orlando in his name – www.GetInvolvedOrlandoHealth.com

A public memorial service is planned for April 20, at the Highland Manor, 604 E. Main St. Apopka, FL.

Please call the company’s main office at 800-722-6435 for more details, as they become available.

You are invited to express condolences on the company’s Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/EAPlants.