Minnesota Pastor and Father of Five Dies Weeks After Cruise Ship Pool Accident While Celebrating Son’s Wedding

Stephen Junker, 58, suffered a severe spinal cord injury and nearly drowned aboard the Sun Princess off the coast of Italy

By [Staff Writer] | September 13, 2026

ELBOW LAKE, Minn. — A Minnesota pastor and father of five has died weeks after suffering a devastating spinal cord injury and nearly drowning in a swimming pool aboard a cruise ship while celebrating his son's wedding in Italy, his family announced.

Stephen "Steve" Junker, 58, of Elbow Lake, Minnesota, was aboard the Sun Princess on August 16 when he fell and was later found face down and unresponsive in a pool, according to a GoFundMe page organized by his family. He died on September 4 surrounded by loved ones at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, after more than two weeks of medical care.

The Accident and Medical Response

Princess Cruises confirmed Junker's death in a statement to Fox News Digital, saying ship personnel were alerted on August 16 that a passenger needed medical assistance. "The guest was attended to by the ship's medical team and subsequently transferred ashore for further care," the cruise line said. "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".

Junker was transported by an Italian Coast Guard boat to a hospital in Naples, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit. Doctors discovered severe compression of his spinal cord at the C3-C4 level of his neck. He underwent emergency spinal surgery the following day and was subsequently diagnosed as quadriplegic, unable to breathe without mechanical ventilation.

"We are working through the medical, logistical and financial challenges of arranging appropriate medical transport and getting him to a hospital in the United States," the family wrote in a GoFundMe update before his death. They later described navigating the Italian healthcare system as their "biggest challenge," noting that while staff were doing their best, they were "not well equipped for this type of situation".

Return to the United States

On August 23, Junker was transferred from the Italian hospital to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, on a transatlantic medevac flight. Further diagnostic testing at Mayo Clinic later revealed that his injuries could not be treated, his family said.

His daughter, Elizabeth, announced his death on the family's GoFundMe page. "At 6:33 PM today, Steve went to be with Jesus," she wrote. "He was surrounded by his wife, children, parents, and friends. Further diagnostic testing had revealed injuries that were not treatable."

The family expressed gratitude to the medical teams who cared for him and to those who contributed financially. The fundraiser had raised more than $34,900 at the time of reporting. "We're glad we were able to give him the opportunity to receive world-class care and reassured that everything that could possibly be done to help him was done," the family wrote.

A Life of Service and Faith

Junker served as pastor of Chippewa Lutheran Church in Brandon, Minnesota, for nearly a decade, according to his obituary. He began his career as a pharmacist after earning his degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, before attending Lutheran Brethren Seminary to pursue his calling to ministry.

His obituary described being a minister as "among the greatest joys and honors of his life". He was known for his "animated sermons, his love of a good conversation on nearly any subject, and his readiness to help anyone in need, whether that meant offering counsel or simply producing the right tool for the job from his ever-prepared pockets".

"Above all, Steve loved his family. He was a devoted husband to Jeanine and a loving father to his five children. His grandson, Jonah, held a special and cherished place in his heart," the obituary reads.

Church and Family Tributes

Following his death, Chippewa Lutheran Church remembered Junker for his faith and the impact he had on those around him. "Pastor Steve was a wonderful person, loved by many, and had a great impact on many people through his faith," the church wrote in a Facebook post.

The church also shared a tribute from Nathaniel Junker, Steve's son, who sang worship songs inspired by his father as he neared the end of his life. "He closed his eyes to this life and opened his eyes to Jesus," the church's post read.

His wife, Jeanine, paid tribute to her husband in a message shared by the church, describing him as a deeply loved pastor whose faith had touched many lives. Even as he faced a serious and ultimately fatal injury, his thoughts are said to have remained focused on his congregation and the people closest to him.

A mourner wrote on Facebook: "May God bring comfort for all who loved and care for Pastor Steve Junker. I'm so sorry for your loss."

Funeral Arrangements

A visitation was held at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 11, at Chippewa Lutheran Church, followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. Junker is survived by his wife, Jeanine; their five children and their spouses; a grandson; his parents; a sister; and many other family members and friends.