Gary Lee Petree, 77, of Montgomery, MN, passed away on September 18, 2026. Gary was born on June 3, 1949, to Lehman and Rita (Schwartz) Petree.
Gary graduated from Montgomery High School in 1967. He earned a diploma in Landscape Technology from Anoka-Hennepin and built a career doing what he loved. Over the years, he worked in a variety of landscaping roles, including positions with Bachman’s and Mystic Lake Casino. Most notably, he founded Petree’s Greenhouse in Montgomery in the 1970s, providing plants, landscaping expertise, and support to the community for many years.
Gary was especially proud of his years of service with the Montgomery Fire Department. His love of the outdoors began early through canoe trips and camping adventures in the Boundary Waters with his father. He found great joy in cooking and baking for family, often creating unique recipes to share with others.
Even in retirement, Gary’s passion for landscaping never faded. Each year, he planted and tended gardens around his home, creating beauty for others to enjoy. He shared his woodworking talents with loved ones by crafting meaningful gifts.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Rita and Lehman Petree; brothers-in-law, Mike Crosby and Bill Southworth.
Survivors include his daughters, Angie Petree, Chelsea Petree, and Danielle Arthur; granddaughters, Lucy Feddick, Josephine Feddick, Hannah Konrad, and Emma Konrad; sister, Renee Southworth; nieces, Claire (Dustin) Meadows and Sabrina Southworth; great-nieces, Dakota Meadows and Cailyn Meadows.
Gary will be remembered for his artistic talent and creativity and the pride he took in bringing things to life, whether through gardening, cooking, or working in his workshop.