Eric Fonkert

Eric “Slim, Jr. Big Sexy” Fonkert passed away on February 24th in Alexandria, MN at the age of 43 from suicide.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Dawson Covenant Church with Pastor Terry White officiating.

Visitation will be held  on Friday from 4 - 7:00 PM at Hanson & Dahl Funeral Home in Dawson and at the church for one hour before the service.  There will be a prayer service Friday evening at 6:30 PM at the funeral home.

Eric Walter Fonkert was born on June 7th, 1978 to Terry and Theresa Fonkert in Clarkfield, MN and was welcomed home by his big brother Gerrit.

Eric grew up in Dawson all of his childhood and younger adult years.  Eric attended Dawson Boyd School from Kindergarten thru 12th grade and dropped out, but in 2015 he obtained his GED and then his high school diploma.

Eric’s greatest joy was the birth of his daughter  Gabrielle Grace in 2005.  He was so happy to be a dad to his “Buddy” as he referred to her.  Eric also took great pride in living on the family farm.

Eric lived life in the fast lane always waiting for the next big thing, the next thrill.  The bigger, the better, the faster and the more smoke that he could get to roast off the tires would always bring the biggest smile to his face.  Eric was a loving, kind person who would help anyone out even if he had done you wrong, he’d still be there.  Unfortunately addiction and mental health took that big smile from him and his inner demons took the loving, happy, jokester we all loved so much.

Left to mourn his death are his daughter, Gabrielle; brother, Gerrit (Angie) Fonkert; sister, Kim (Kevin) Bellefeuille; nephew: Ethan Bellefeuille; nieces: Gracie Bellefeuille, Evelyn Fonkert, Elsie Fonkert; fiancé, Nicole Perez and son Jaxon; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.

Eric is preceded in death by his parents: Terry and Theresa; grandparents: Peter and Grace Fonkert, Wayne and Juanita Shephard, Dale and Toots Olson; uncles: Gary Fonkert, Michael Shephard, John Olson, Kurt Gylling, Jim Bissett; cousins: Carey Bissett, John Wolfmeyer; close friends: Derek Twete and Travis Johnson.

“To anyone out there who’s hurting - it’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help.  It’s a sign of strength”