Steve Junker, a pastor from Elbow Lake, Minnesota, tragically passed away after sustaining a severe spinal cord injury during a cruise in Italy. Junker was aboard the Sun Princess on August 16, celebrating his son’s wedding when he fell and was later found face down and unresponsive in a pool.
A statement from Princess Cruises confirmed Junker’s passing, expressing condolences to his family and loved ones. The cruise line reported that on August 16, ship personnel responded to a medical assistance alert concerning Junker, who was quickly attended to by the medical team and transferred ashore for further care.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of our guest and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this extraordinarily difficult time,the cruise line stated.
Junker sustained his injury during the fall and nearly drowned. He was transported by the Italian Coast Guard to a hospital in Naples, admitted into the intensive care unit, and underwent emergency spinal surgery the following day. Though the surgery was successful, his spinal cord injury remained severe.
The family faced challenges in navigating his medical care abroad and sought transportation to a hospital in the United States. Junker was eventually taken to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, for further treatment on August 23. The family asked for thoughts and prayers during this time.
Junker’s passing on September 4, surrounded by loved ones, was announced in Facebook posts by his family and church. Chippewa Lutheran Church, where he served, honored him for his faith and influence on others, sharing a tribute from his son, Nathaniel Junker, who sang worship songs inspired by his father.
An obituary highlighted Junker’s career, noting his previous work as a pharmacist before his ministry. He leaves behind a wife, five children, their spouses, a grandchild, and many other family members.
Messages of sympathy flooded social media, with mourners expressing sorrow and sharing memories of the pastor’s impact.
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