In Memoriam: Wayne ‘Yogi’ Steindorf

Healdsburg ag legend Wayne Leo Steindorf, affectionately called Yogi by friends, just died at age 81 after a long illness, according to his obituary. “He was an original,” former Healdsburg Tribune staffer Ray Holley wrote on Facebook over the weekend. Back in the ’70s, Wayne and his dad reportedly played an instrumental role in converting local prune orchards to vineyards — and were “the first to plant Cabernet Sauvignon on St. George rootstock in the Dry Creek Valley.” Later on, Wayne became a master woodworker, reportedly earning awards for craftsmanship while owning and operating North Coast Cabinetry here in town. He was also big into 4-H and Future Farmers, serving on the “swine “advisory committee” at the Sonoma County Fair. Here’s some more lore from his obituary: “Wayne was happiest when he was at a fair. He was a member of the Healdsburg Future Farmers Fair Board of Directors for over 40 years. He and other volunteers built the new livestock barns at the ball park. … Upon his retirement, the Board of Directors honored him by naming the swine building at the HFFCF fairgrounds the ‘Steindorf Barn.'” Wayne leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Karen; their three kids, Leo, Lynn and Lisa; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. His funeral is planned for this Saturday in Petaluma. (Source: Legacy.com & Facebook Groups)