DENVER – University of Denver men’s basketball alumnus and DU Athletics Hall of Fame inductee Gene Steinke passed away on Dec. 23. Steinke played basketball for the Pioneers from 1946-48 and was a current season ticket holder of Denver men’s basketball. 

“Gene Steinke was a true gentleman,” said Vice Chancellor of Athletics and Recreation Peg Bradley-Doppes. “He was proud to be a Pioneer and has been an integral member of our DU Family. He certainly enriched our Denver Community, and he will be missed."

Steinke was inducted into the University of Denver Athletics Hall of Fame in 2000, and his dedication plaque included the following: “A true leader and competitor for the University of Denver, Steinke was a two-year letterman in basketball after transferring from the University of Wichita. His play helped anchor a team that went 32-20 during those two seasons. The ‘Old Gent,’ as he was called by his teammates, served as the captain of the basketball team in 1947. Steinke's 16 points and 1.000 field goal percentage were instrumental in a 1947 victory over the University of Colorado, the last-ever Skyline Conference match-up between the two schools. During his last season, Steinke was fifth on the team in total points scored and averaged 7.0 points per game. He also led the squad in number of games played, participating in all 26 contests. As a result of his consistent play, Steinke was named as an honorable mention all-Skyline Conference selection in 1948.”

Steinke’s impact on the University extended well outside Division of Athletics and Recreation support. In 1999, he was selected as the recipient of the Randolph P. McDonough Award for Service to Alumni. This award is named for Randolph McDonough, University of Denver alumni director from 1934 to 1963. Steinke was given the award for his contributions to and service of DU alumni that was deemed noteworthy and significant in the eyes of the University. Steinke also was inducted into the Kappa Sigma Beta-Omicron Hall of Fame at the University of Denver, where he served as chapter president during his senior year.

“Gene Steinke was the ultimate gentleman and one of the most ardent supporters of DU Basketball,” head coach Joe Scott said. “He meant a lot to our program, and on a personal level I consider myself fortunate to have gotten to know him and develop a friendship with him. Our entire basketball family’s thoughts are with his wife, Doris, and the entire Steinke family.”

Steinke is survived by his wife, Doris, their six children, 15 grandchildren and one great grandson.

A visitation will be held at Olinger Hampden Chapel on Monday, Dec. 30 from 5-7 p.m. MT. A funeral mass will be conducted at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church on Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 10 a.m. MT, with a reception to follow.

The family requests that contributions be made in Gene Steinke’s memory to the DU Athletic Department (2201 E. Asbury Ave., Rm 4674, Denver, CO 80208) or St. Francis de Sales Church (Denver, CO 80209).

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