Stephen D Junker

Stephen Duane "Steve" Junker, 58, of Elbow Lake, Minnesota, passed away surrounded by his family and close friends on September 4, 2026, at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, following a devastating spinal cord injury.

Steve was born on July 31, 1968, in Edina, Minnesota, to Vernon and Joan Junker. He didn't know it yet, but he would one day share his birthday with his oldest son, Benjamin. He grew up in Redwood Falls, Minnesota, and later attended Southwest State University in Marshall, Minnesota, where he met Jeanine, the love of his life, who would soon become his wife. They were married on December 19, 1992. Following college, together they moved to Elbow Lake, MN and welcomed five children, building a life rooted in faith and family.

Steve began his career as a pharmacist, graduating from pharmacy school at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, and dedicated himself to the care of others through medicine. Later, answering a deeper calling, he attended The Lutheran Brethren Seminary in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, where he earned his Master of Divinity and became an ordained minister. For nearly a decade, he served the congregation and community at Chippewa Lutheran Church in Brandon, Minnesota, with devotion. Being a minister was 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. 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.

Steve was preceded in death by his father-in-law and his grandparents.

Steve is survived by his wife, Jeanine Junker; his children and their spouses, Elizabeth Junker (Benjamin Lee), Benjamin (Laura) Junker, Nathaniel Junker, Victoria (Ya-Shen) Hong, and Josiah (Maddie) Junker; his grandson, Jonah Junker; his parents, Vernon and Joan Junker; his sister, Sarah; and a host of other family and friends.

A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026, at Chippewa Lutheran Church, with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m., Pastor Troy Tysdal officiating.

Flowers and memorial donations may be sent to Chippewa Lutheran Church. 

Arrangement by Erickson-Smith Funeral Home of Elbow Lake.