A father and pastor who suffered a devastating injury in a swimming pool aboard a cruise ship has tragically died, weeks after the accident while celebrating his son’s wedding.
Stephen Junker, 58, from Minnesota, US, was injured on August 16 while the cruise ship was sailing off the coast of Italy.
According to a fundraiser established by his family, he was discovered unconscious, face down in a pool, and had suffered a serious spinal cord injury before nearly drowning.
The Coast Guard transported Mr Junker to a hospital in Naples, where doctors admitted him to intensive care.
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There he underwent emergency surgery on his spinal cord, but was left with the loss of motor control of his limbs, and required a ventilator to breathe.
On August 23, the father was transferred to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, in the hope that specialists could provide further treatment.
His family later learned that some of his injuries could not be treated, and after more than two weeks of medical care, Mr Junker sadly died on September 4.
His daughter, Elizabeth, announced his death in an update to the family’s fundraising page, saying he died surrounded by his wife, children, parents and friends.
“At 6.33pm today, Steve went to be with Jesus,” she wrote.
The family expressed gratitude to the medical teams who cared for Mr Junker, and to those who contributed financially toward his treatment and associated expenses.
The father had spent much of his working life serving others, having initially trained as a pharmacist, earning his degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.
He later attended Lutheran Brethren Seminary, and served as pastor of Chippewa Lutheran Church for almost a decade before his death.
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His obituary describes him as a man known for his energetic preaching, willingness to engage in lengthy conversations and readiness to assist people in need.
He is survived by his wife, Jeanine, their five children, a grandson, his parents, and a sister – among other relatives and friends.
Following his death, Jeanine paid tribute to her husband and his influence on the congregation.
In a message shared by the church, she described him as a deeply loved pastor whose faith had touched many lives.
She also recalled a worship song performed by their son Nathaniel as Mr Junker was nearing the end of his life, saying its words captured the family’s belief that he had passed from this life “into the presence of Jesus”.
His obituary said his Christian faith remained central to him throughout his illness and final days.
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 funeral service is scheduled for 11am on September 11 at Chippewa Lutheran Church.
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