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John Steiner Obituary
May 23, 1945 -
Aug 30, 2007
Passed away unexpectedly on August 30, 2007 at age 62, after a lengthy illness. Jay lived in the Sacramento area his entire life. He attended All Hallows grammar school on 14th Avenue. Jay actively swam and played football at Bishop-Armstrong high school (Christian Brothers) and graduated in 1963 and he went on to play football for two years at the University of Santa Clara. After graduating from the University of Santa Clara in 1967, he, his family and close family friend founded the Lumberjack Home Improvement chain in 1968. Up until his death, he was co-owner of Diamond Home Improvement Center in Grants Pass and Klamath Fall, Ore. Jay's creativity was seen in every aspect of his life, he was a pioneer in the lumber and home improvement business, loved cooking and in his later years golf! His greatest passion was the love of his family, where he enjoyed activities such as playing on the beach at the family home in Mexico with his grandkids. Jay will always be remembered for his love of life, many life-long friendships and humble generosity.
Preceded in death by his father and mother Jack and Dorothy Steiner and brother-in-law Gary Levi Survived by his wife, Anne Marie Steiner (Spencer) of 37 years, son and daughter-in-law John and Tammy Steiner and their son Jack of Placerville, Calif., son and daughter-in-law, Erik and Teresa Steiner and daughter Zoey of Klamath Falls, Ore., and daughter and son-in-law Meri and Tyson Hartman and their daughter Eva and son Zachary of Seattle, Wash. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law Sherry Levi-Ames and Phil Ames of Sacramento, Calif., brother and sister-in-law Timothy and Gloria Steiner of Klamath Falls. and sister Pamela Steiner-Fenske of Lake Chiloquin, Ore., and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jay served on the National Home Center Board, the Board of Trustees for Christian Brothers High School, and volunteered with the local Sacramento chapter of charity WIND.
Rosary service will be held on Tuesday, September 4, at Saint Vincent DE Paul Catholic Church 14673 Cantova Way, Rancho Murieta, Calif., at 6:00 PM. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 5, at SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH 14673 Cantova Way, Rancho Murieta, Calif., at 10:30 AM.
Remembrances in his honor can be made to: Sutter Medical Center Foundation Cancer Center NCI Research Program 2800 L Street, Suite #620 Sacramento, CA 95816, or to Wind Charity, P.O. Box 13856, Sacramento, CA 95853.
Arrangements made by NICOLETTI, CULJIS & HERBERGER, (916) 451-7284.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
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Bill Kiene
August 30, 2025
I went to high school with Jay. He was a good football player and a great guy. When I started building my small fly fishing store, he gave me a credit line at Lumberjacks and at the end of the month tried to give me some good prices. I am 80 now, and Jay passed away far too soon.
Gerald O'Hagan
August 31, 2008
I am so sorry to hear of Jay's passing. I learned so much from Jay and the entire Steiner family in my years with Supply One. In many ways he shaped my vision for business and showed me how to succeed in the home improvement industry. For this, I am eternally grateful.
Jim Collins
October 7, 2007
So sorry to hear of Jay's passing. We were classmates at both All Hallows and Santa Clara. Wonderful fellow with a contagious sense of humor that often got me into trouble--but not Jay.
ERIK STEINER
September 6, 2007
Dad, Thank you for all that you did for us all as a family. I will miss you very much! We'll take good care of Mom! I Love You Dad!
Jacquie Felt-Sackrider
September 5, 2007
I was devasted to see that Jay had passed away at such a young age. I had not kept in touch with the family since it sold. He will be sorely missed by so many of his "family". As my first job was with Lumberjack in 1971, I got to know Jack, Ellery, Jay, Tim and Gary very well. Jay has gone on to be with Jack, Dorothy, Ellery, Gary and my father Dick Felt. Guess they are partying up there now. My condolences for the family.
Rick Rivera, Jay's Dog Groomer/Pet Sitter
September 5, 2007
Thank you Jay for being such a great friend to me and for sharing all of your dogs. Heaven now has another dog and animal friend. Give them all hugs for me up there. Thanks Rick
David Berke
September 4, 2007
Jay helped me develop as a person during the beginning of my career in 1974. As we kept in touch throughout the years, Jay was always genuine and friendly. The world is a dimmer place without Jay, my thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow.
Eric Peterson
September 4, 2007
Jay Steiner was and will remain a leader in the industry. But more so a leader among men. He learned well from his parents and grand parents. I began working with them at Birdwells Lumber and learned more about the customer, as a person, than at any time in my life.
I cellebrate his life and will always remember the good times.
Eric Peterson Atlanta GA.
Patti Haro
September 3, 2007
I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Jay's sudden passing. Although we weren't close, I always felt his kindness and warmth and joy for life. He always had such a great smile and kind eyes. I am so sorry for your loss, Anne and family. I hope your many treasured memories can provide lots of comfort to you. Rest in peace sweet man, Love, cousin Patti
David Hill
September 3, 2007
My thoughts and heartfelt sympathy is with you, your family and everyone who had the honour of knowing Jay. Best wishes for a complete and perfect healing from your loss.
Bonnie Rimola
September 2, 2007
My condolences to Jay's family. Death is an untimely life event. So sad to have to part with our loved ones. As an employee of Lumberjack Stores and Supply One Stores, I would like to thank the Steiner family for bringing me into their family and working with the best. May Jay rest in peace and know that he created many memories for his family and many, many friends.
William Kellermann, Jr.
September 2, 2007
Jay, and his brother Tim, taught me how to be a businessman with a heart and more importantly, a conscience. The values Jay brought to his business and industry are timeless, but are becoming increasingly rare. It is my lifelong pleasure and privilege to have been a part of the Lumberjack family and I am truly saddened to hear of Jay’s passing. My condolences and prayers go out to his family and friends. That he passed on such fundamental values and treasured memories reflects the legacy of a remarkable man.
Dava Freed
September 2, 2007
I am sorry for your loss, much sympathy.
Doreen Abel
September 1, 2007
I was so deeply sorry to hear of Jay's death. He hired my husband Robert Abel in May 1971 at the Arden store,Jay was his boss.
Bob always liked all the Steiners as they were very fair and understanding people to work for.
Jay made Bob Warehouse Manager in June 1975 and then on to a buyer which he was until they sold. I lost my husband Robert in May 1995 from an aneurysm. My deepest condolences to all the family.
Doreen Abel
Kelly Breedlove
September 1, 2007
Randy McVean could not have said it better, Lumberjack was my 1st job and I remembered it as being a warm, friendly place to work and most enjoyable.
Verne McNew
September 1, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. My condolences go out to all the Steiner family.
Kelly Breedlove
September 1, 2007
My deepest condolences to Jay's family and dearest friends at this time. My name is Kelly (McNew) Breedlove and I worked for the Orangevale Lumberjack from 1979 - 1984.
randy mcvean
September 1, 2007
I worked for Jay back in the Lumberjack days. He was a true visionary and leader. We were sad when the company was sold because it meant a loss of the family atmosphere...having the people who run things as hands on as were Jay and Tim made Lumberjack special. He was as direct and honest as anyone would want, a tribute to his father, who was very much the same. Everyone who worked for the company back then remembered our great Christmas parties...and how we all felt part of something wonderful...Jay took pride in our dominance in the market, not for ego, but because it meant we were doing it right. He will be missed.
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