Minnesota Pastor Passes After Injury on Cruise

A pastor from Elbow Lake, Minnesota, tragically died after a severe spinal cord injury during a cruise in Italy. Steve Junker was celebrating his son’s wedding aboard the Sun Princess on August 16 when the accident occurred.

Junker fell and was found face down and unresponsive in a pool. A GoFundMe page set up by his family shared these details. Princess Cruises confirmed his passing, expressing condolences to his family and loved ones.

“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.

On August 16, ship personnel were alerted to the medical emergency. Junker was attended by the ship’s medical team, then transported ashore for further care. His condition involved a spinal cord injury, nearly resulting in drowning.

He was moved to a hospital in Naples by the Italian Coast Guard, admitted to the intensive care unit, and underwent emergency spinal surgery the next day. Although the surgery succeeded, the injury remained severe.

Junker’s family faced difficulties with his medical care overseas and worked to transport him to the U.S. They described navigating medical, logistical, and financial hurdles to arrange appropriate medical transport.

Ultimately, Junker was taken to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, on August 23 for further treatment. Despite the efforts, Junker died on September 4, surrounded by family.

His church, Chippewa Lutheran Church, remembered him as a person of strong faith who impacted many lives. His son, Nathaniel Junker, shared worship songs inspired by his father as a tribute.

The pastor’s obituary highlighted his previous career as a pharmacist before entering the ministry. He leaves behind a wife, five children, their spouses, a grandchild, and numerous family members.