Steve was born October 28, 1945, to Adolphus Busch Orthwein and Ann Patricia Thornley, and spent his childhood in St. Louis, Missouri, as a member of the renowned Busch brewing family. Steve graduated from the Choate School in Wallingford, Connecticut in 1964, Yale University in 1968, where he was the Captain of the Yale Polo Team and member of the Varsity Tennis Team, and St. Louis University Law School where he received a Law Degree.
A true sportsman, Steve made his mark in the world of Polo. His accomplishments include winning: Intercollegiate titles in 1967 and 1968, the National 16 goal in 1967, the Pakistani Open in 1969, the Butler Handicap in 1975 and 1979, and the Monty Waterbury in 1977. Steve achieved a 6 goal handicap and was at one time the highest rated amateur player in the country. In addition to his accomplishments on the field, Steve was well known for his service to the sport of polo. These contributions include; Captain of the St. Louis Polo Club, Chairman of the United States Polo Association, Chairman of the Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame, Vice President of the Federation of International Polo, and founder of the Port Mayaca Polo Club. Steve’s accomplishments and service to the sport of polo were commemorated in two sports Hall of Fames, the Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame in 2011 and the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame in 2015.
Above all else, Steve was a devoted husband, family man, and friend to all who knew him. His infectious spirit and positive attitude brought joy wherever he went. He is survived by Ginny, his loving wife of 42 years; his three sons, Steve Jr., his wife Margaret and their daughter Hazel; Robert, his wife Tiffany, and their first child due in July; and Danny; his four brothers, Dolph (Judy), Peter (Beverly), David and Chris (Binkie); and his step-brother, Mike Montgomery (Mimi).
A celebration of life service will be held at 6:00pm, Saturday, March 17th at the Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame, 9011 Lake Worth Rd, Lake Worth, FL 33467. All who knew Steve are invited to attend. A second service will be held in St. Louis this spring.
