Norman H. Steiner

July 29, 1916 - March 4, 2022

Dr. Norman H. Steiner, 105 years, passed away on March 4th at his residence in San Francisco. He was born on July 29, 1916 in Duluth, Minnesota to Morris Steiner and Anna Cohen Steiner. From the age of 5 Norman grew up in foster care. Norman was the first person in his household to attend college, graduating from the University of Wisconsin with a medical degree and internship in Florida. During World War II he served as an Army Air Force flight surgeon stationed in England. Norman married Jacqueline Oser in 1949. They made their home in San Francisco where he completed his surgical residency. For 65 years Jackie and Norman were devoted and creative partners.

Dr. Steiner held a private practice at 490 Post Street for 40 years while serving as a general surgeon and board member for the Southern Pacific (Harkness) and St. Francis Hospitals. A point of pride was his tenure as the San Francisco Police Surgeon.

Along with medicine, Norman possessed a passion for plants and nature. He was an active member of the San Francisco Bonsai Society, winning top awards at annual garden shows. Property in the hills of Napa served as his studio for plant propagation, landscape art and building construction. Norman’s last achievements are testament to his exceptionalism, cutting down trees with his chain saw, renewing his driver’s license at age 105, staying abreast of current events and always present for a conversation. Norman was the last surviving family member of his and Jacqueline’s generation. He is survived by his daughters, Amy Steiner (San Francisco), Sara Steiner (Hollister), Lora Steiner (Willits) and Jane Steiner (San Francisco); grandchildren, Jackson Steel and Shaney Goossens; and great granddaughter, Josephine; many loving nieces and nephews as well as endearing friends to whom he was a second father.