Herbert “Herbie” Steiner
1938-2023
Herb Steiner passed away peacefully at his home in Santa Rosa surrounded by family on October 14, 2023 at the age of 85.
Herb, fondly known as “Herbie,” was born on January 26, 1938, and spent his childhood in Galt, California. He was one of five siblings in a close-knit, hardworking family.
Immigrating from Switzerland, his father instilled strong family values, faith, and a passionate work ethic that Herb would emulate for the rest of his life. After graduating from Bellarmine High School, Herb launched into an eventful college life at the University of the Pacific where he met the love of his life, Wendy, and fostered friendships that would last a lifetime.
Following graduation, Herbie landed in Cloverdale to work at Medico Drug. He chose Cloverdale for its charm and its proximity to the Russian River where he furthered his passion for fly fishing. In the next few years, the Steiner family expanded to include son Mark and daughter Karin.
In 1968 Herb purchased his first pharmacy in Healdsburg, aptly named “Herb’s Prescription Center”, and later founded the Bennett Valley Pharmacy and Cloverdale Pharmacy. Soon after, Herb moved his family to Healdsburg where they lived for 42 years and was an involved and vibrant community leader, serving on multiple boards and committees including: Founder of North Coast Bank/Windsor Oaks Bank, Copper Towers Medical Clinic Board, Advisory member of Sonoma County Savings & Loan, Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, Sonoma County Grand Jury, and Redwood Empire Pharmacy Association.
As a pharmacist, Herb was passionate about establishing rapport, maintaining friendships and building trust with his customers. He would often receive calls in the middle of the night from a physician in need of medication for a patient. After a 12-hour workday he’d quickly drive back to the pharmacy without complaining, and never charge the customer for his late-night trip. Herb was a successful pharmacist not only because of his keen knowledge of the industry, but his genuine care and concern for his customers. Everyone knew Herbie would greet them with a smile, offer to help, and follow up with his witty sense of humor and uncanny ability to tell a great story.
Friends, family members, neighbors, and colleagues have described Herb as a successful businessman, devoted family man, dear friend, world traveler, pillar of community, mentor, rare gem, and salt of the earth. He was a true gentleman, had a twinkle in his eye, and lived a long, full life, touching the hearts of everyone he met. Herb was a man of remarkable strength, wisdom, and kindness. He enjoyed traveling to Idaho, Montana, Utah, Colorado for fishing, duck hunting, golfing, and snow skiing. Herb was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. As a devout Catholic, Herb was a loyal parishioner at St. John’s Church. He dedicated his life to his family, friends, community and career.
Herb was predeceased by his parents Albert and Angelina Steiner and three of his siblings Dorothy, Bob and Dick. He is survived by Wendy, his loving wife of 61 years, son Mark, daughter Karin, grandchildren KC and Kaitlyn, and
brother Gene.
