Dad, 58, dies after being found face-down in swimming pool on cruise ship while celebrating son’s wedding

A DEVOTED dad has died after being found face down in a swimming pool while celebrating his son’s wedding on a cruise ship. Stephen Junker, 58, sustained a spinal cord injury before nearly drowning while on the vessel off the coast of Italy, per a family fundraiser. Beloved pastor Stephen Junker, 58, has died after being found face down in a cruise ship pool Credit: ericksonsmithfh Stephen was taken back to the US for further treatment until his death Credit: Gofundme The beloved Minnesota pastor was rushed to a hospital in Naples by the coast guard after the August 16 incident, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit. Stephen immediately underwent emergency spinal cord surgery, but was left quadriplegic and unable to breathe without a ventilator. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! On August 23, he was transported to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota for further treatment. Despite desperate efforts to save him, Stephen’s daughter, Elizabeth, announced that he succumbed to his injuries on September 4. Sharing the update on the family GoFundMe page, she wrote: “At 6:33 PM today, Steve went to be with Jesus. He was surrounded by his wife, children, parents, and friends. “Further diagnostic testing had revealed injuries that were not treatable. “We’re grateful to everyone at Mayo Clinic for their excellent care and to everyone who donated to help support Steve and the family. “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.” Most read in The Sun Stephen has been remembered for his willingness to help those in need Credit: Gofundme He was underwent emergency surgery after his tragic accident Credit: Gofundme Stephen began his career as a pharmacist after receiving his degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. He then joined Lutheran Brethren Seminary to pursue his dream of becoming a pastor, according to his obituary. At the time of his death, Stephen served as the pastor of Chippewa Lutheran Church for nearly 10 years. He was know for his “animated sermons, love of a good conversation on nearly any subject, and readiness to help anyone in need”. Stephen is survived by his wife, five children, grandson, parents, sister, and a “host of other family and friends.” His widow, Jeanine Junker said she believes he will rise again in faith, like Jesus, in a statement on his church’s Facebook page. She wrote: “Mourning the loss of a Pastor for our church family is very difficult to understand. “Pastor Steve was a wonderful person, loved by many, and had a great impact on many people through his faith. “Nathaniel Junker has said it best when he sang his worship songs as Pastor Steve was welcomed into Heaven, ‘he closed his eyes to this life and opened his eyes to Jesus’ what more does anyone want!” Stephen’s obituary noted: “Steve faced life and death with a quiet and unshakable faith, never afraid of what was to come. “Even in his final moments, his thoughts turned to the church and the people he loved.” A funeral service will be held at 11am on September 11 at Chippewa Lutheran Church before his burial. Comment now