A beloved Minnesota pastor has died weeks after suffering a severe spinal cord injury and nearly drowning during a cruise celebrating his son’s wedding. He was 58.

Pastor Steve Junker of Chippewa Lutheran Church in Brandon died surrounded by his family and friends after doctors determined his injuries could not be treated, according to his daughter, Elizabeth Junker.

“At 6:33 PM today, Steve went to be with Jesus,” she wrote in an update to a GoFundMe campaign created to support his recovery. “He was surrounded by his wife, children, parents, and friends.”

Junker was injured Aug. 16 while aboard a cruise ship in Italy for his son’s wedding celebration. He suffered a severe compression of his spinal cord during a fall and near-drowning and was initially hospitalized in Naples.

On Aug. 23, he was transported to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where doctors continued treating him until his death.

“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,” his daughter wrote.

As Junker’s family and congregation mourn, they are also leaning on the Christian hope he spent years preaching to others.

His widow, Jeanine Junker, shared a message through Chippewa Lutheran Church, recalling worship songs their son Nathaniel sang as the pastor neared the end of his life.

“He closed his eyes to this life and opened his eyes to Jesus,” she wrote, quoting her son. “What more does anyone want!”

She also pointed to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 and its message that Christians do not “grieve as those without hope” because they believe in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection.

Junker had served as pastor of Chippewa Lutheran Church for nearly a decade, but ministry was not his first career. According to his obituary, he initially worked as a pharmacist before answering what he believed was God’s call to ministry.

“Being a minister was among the greatest joys and honors of his life,” his obituary states.

Junker became known for his animated sermons, his willingness to help others, and his love of conversation. He was also a devoted husband, father of five and grandfather to his grandson, Jonah.

Those closest to Junker said the faith he preached from the pulpit remained with him until the end.

“Steve faced life and death with a quiet and unshakable faith, never afraid of what was to come,” his obituary said. “Even in his final moments, his thoughts turned to the church and the people he loved.”

Junker’s funeral service will be held September 11 at Chippewa Lutheran Church, followed by burial at Minnewaska Lutheran Cemetery in Starbuck, Minnesota.