Beta-Omicron Chapter of Kappa Sigma

Any organization that has been blessed with the presence of Brother Gene Steinke has discovered that once he commits to something, he considers it a lifetime commitment. Three groups – the University of Denver, Olinger Mortuaries and the Beta Omicron Chapter – have been lucky enough to reap the benefits of Brother Steinke’s dedication.After serving three years in the Navy during World War II, Brother Steinke — known as “The Old Gent” during his college days — took DU by storm. In his two years as a Pioneer, he was All-Conference in basketball, the president of the Beta Omicron Chapter, and treasurer of both the Intrafraternity Council and the Newman Club. DU was also where he met his future wife, Doris, with whom he would have six children. He was named Beta-Omicron’s assistant alumnus advisor upon graduation, a position he held for a year before being named alumnus advisor. He also served as treasurer of the Fraternity House Corporation for 14 years. Because of his undying dedication to Beta Omicron and the Greek system at DU, he was named the Intrafraternity Council’s “Man of the Year” in 1963. Shortly after that, he was elected to the Board of Directors of the DU Alumni Association, and in 1970 served as President. In 1973, Brother Steinke was the Chairman of the Arena-Fieldhouse Campaign that led the charge to improve the facilities for hockey, basketball and swimming. Brother Steinke and his wife were presented with the “Service to the University Award” by Chancellor Maurice Mitchell, who introduced Brother Steinke as the “consummate alumnus.” He also was inducted into the DU Sports Hall of Fame, proving he was also a consummate student-athlete. After attending the California College of Mortuary Science in Los Angeles, Brother Stienke worked at Olinger Mortuaries retiring in 1988 as vice president. He still acts as an advisor for the company. Brother Steinke is also very active in his community and church, where he was the first president of the Denver Area Catholic School Board, a job he held for three years. He has been awarded the Pope Pius XII Education Award for his service to Parochial education. Brother Steinke’s six children – Sharon Kane, David, Richard, Diane Matway, Linda Monasmith and Susan Schmitz – have given he and Doris 14 grandchildren, which undoubtedly take up any free time they have.
It’s not hard to figure why Brother Steinke has remained so loyal to Beta-Omicron. “ The friends and brothers I made in the fraternity those many years ago are still my best friends,” he said.