Harry "Steinie" Steinbeck

Harry Eugene Steinbeck, also known as Steinie, passed away peacefully at home on March 7, 2016 surrounded by family. This wonderful man touched a lot of lives during his 96 years. Steinie was born July 16, 1919 to Eugene Henry Steinbeck and Georgia M. Steinbeck. During his childhood, he was able to ride his horse to Canfield Elementary School and also attended Dunham Elementary. He attended Petaluma High School where he played football and also attended Analy High School for a brief time. Steinie served proudly in the U.S. Army during World War II and was in the first boat of the first wave to land on the shores of Atoo. When he returned home, he got a job working for the state of California as a hide and brand inspector in the stockyard on horseback. He met and married Marcelle "Sis" Barnes in 1946. A family illness brought Steinie back to run the family ranch. During this time he also had a job as a livestock truck driver for Paul Heney. He soon became known and respected for raising sheep, turkeys, and cattle during his long career in agriculture. Steinie also was employed by the Petaluma Cooperative Creamery (later California Cooperative Creamery) as a milk truck driver for a number of years. After Sis's passing in 1962, he married Agnes Bayley in 1964 and they were married 31 years until Aggie's death in 1995. Steinie belonged to a number of organizations including the California and Sonoma County Farm Bureaus, the California Wool Growers Association, the Petaluma Elks (BPOE 901), the Petaluma Sons in Retirement (SIRS), Vitruvius Lodge #145. He was an active member of the VFW, DAV and the Trench Rats of Sonoma County. He also served as a 4H leader in the 1950's. Steinie was a mentor to many young people helping them to get their start in the working world. He always gave the straight scoop, sometimes pointedly, but always with care and respect. Steinie was a remarkable "people" person and always enjoyed a party or barbecue, swapping stories, laughing with friends, going on fishing and hunting trips. He also took pleasure in watching football games, especially the 49ers. Above all, he enjoyed being surrounded by family and good friends. Steinie is survived by his sister Barbara and John Schelling of Petaluma, daughter Claudia McKnight of Petaluma, stepdaughter Genny Vincent of Portland, Oregon, stepson Glen and Laurie Bayley of Tigard, Oregon, grandchildren, Cheri Kemp, Susan McKnight, Linda Thompson, Joe and Tracie McKnight, Michael Bayley, Ellen Mueller, Vicki Waldrep; great-grandchildren James and Deanna Kemp, Justin Kemp, Jessica Kemp, Josh Thompson, Nick and Ashley Thompson, Jerad McKnight, Jacob McKnight, Sarah McKnight, Cassie McKnight, Chloe McKnight, Rich Waldrep, and Jennifer Mueller and five great-great grandchildren. He was also survived by numerous cousins, nephews and a bevy of loving friends. All of us will miss this incredible man. The family would like to thank Memorial Hospice of all of their help and care. A Celebration of Life will be held on March 19 at 1:00PM at the Parent-Sorensen Mortuary & Crematory, 850 Keokuk Street, Petaluma. Immediately following the service, please join family and friends at The Rooster Run Golf Club, 2301 E. Washington Street, Petaluma. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Center, Shriner's hospital, Sonoma County Farm Bureau or Sonoma County 4H. Memorial Service Saturday, March 19, 2016 1:00 PM