BRANDON, Minn. — A joyful family celebration ended in tragedy after Minnesota pastor Stephen “Steve” Junker died from injuries suffered aboard a cruise ship while celebrating his son’s wedding in Italy.
Junker, 58, pastor of Chippewa Lutheran Church in Brandon, suffered a severe cervical spinal cord injury on Aug. 16 aboard the Sun Princess. According to his family, he fell into a swimming pool and nearly drowned before being found face down and unresponsive.
Emergency Treatment in Italy
Junker was transported by the Italian Coast Guard to a hospital in Naples, where doctors discovered severe compression of his spinal cord at the C3-C4 level. He underwent emergency surgery Aug. 17 to relieve pressure and stabilize his neck.
Despite the surgery, the injury left him quadriplegic and unable to breathe independently. On Aug. 23, Junker was flown back to the United States and transferred to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, for additional treatment.
Pastor Remembered for His Faith
After further medical evaluation determined his injuries were untreatable, Junker died Sept. 4 surrounded by family and friends. He had served Chippewa Lutheran Church for nearly a decade and was remembered for his animated sermons, compassion and willingness to help others.
His death has left his congregation and family grieving while holding firmly to their Christian faith. Junker is survived by his wife, five children, grandson, parents, sister and extended family.
A funeral service is scheduled for Sept. 11 at Chippewa Lutheran Church in Brandon.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before drawing any conclusion. Source: Christian News & Investigative Reports (CNIR) — cnirbc.com
