Gary W. Skogsberg

November 14, 1954 - September 1, 2025

Gary W. Skogsberg, a beloved Master landscaper and cherished member of the community, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Bloomington, Minnesota, on September 1, 2025.

Born and raised in Northeast Minneapolis, Gary was the youngest of three children born to Donald and Jeanne Skogsberg.  He had a close bond with his mother, often sharing heartfelt Facebook posts on her birthday each year.

Gary graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in horticulture and went on to work at several nurseries and greenhouses before establishing his own landscape design business, Uptown Design. His life's work, which included planting thousands of gardens throughout Minnesota, will continue to provide beauty for decades to come.

Gary was known for his ability to blend professional and personal relationships with ease, some of which lasted over 40 years. He was the go-to person if anything went wrong at home and was always there to lend a helping hand whether it was fixing a plumbing problem, remodeling a basement, or just being there to listen to your life’s latest problems. 

In addition to his professional achievements, Gary was very active in the gay community, hosting large dance parties in support of organizations fighting AIDS and supporting gay youth. He loved a good dance party, especially when he could wear his leather chaps!

Gary's impact extended beyond his professional and community work. He had an innate ability to make people feel accepted and loved, which made him truly special.  His favorite show was The Golden Girls of which he would often quote from.  He loved Broadway musicals and recently saw the latest version of Sunset Boulevard twice last year in New York City.  You could often see him at Crooner’s Supper Club as he loved live local music and had a special place in his heart for Mia Dorr and Didi.     

Gary is survived by his sister Joanne (Skogsberg) Stevens (James); Nieces Angie Webster (Harry); Missy Hill (Jeremy) and Deanna Stevens; Nephews Leif Skogsberg (Karen); Peter Skogsberg; Ben Skogsberg (Amber) and many Great Nieces and Nephews and his close friends Jeff Guckeen, Mark Judkins and Kim Havey and many other    His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, and his landscaping legacy will continue to inspire and bring joy to many.

Gary Preceded in Death by Parents Donald and Jeanne Skogsberg and brother Douglas Skogsberg.

Celebration of Life will be held on September 20, 2025, at 2:00 PM in the courtyard of his Bloomington Condominium at 1301 West 82nd Street Bloomington, MN 55420.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Gary's life and share their memories at the celebration.  

In Lieu of Flowers; Memorials are preferred.

In Gary's memory, you can also contribute to two organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community in the Upper Midwest: The Aliveness Project and PFund Foundation. Alternatively, planting flowers or a tree is also a suggested way to honor his life.