David Eric Gonnsen

David Eric Gonnsen

Eric was born on September 27, 1972 in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri to his loving parents David and Marian Gonnsen. Eric passed away on November 7th, 2026. He is survived by his mother, Marian Dean Gonnsen (nee Jenkins), his aunt Karen Lenderman (nee Jenkins) and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, David Leslie Gonnsen, his grandparents T.L. and Dean Jenkins, uncle Larry Jenkins, aunt Brenda Jenkins, and other beloved family members.

Eric graduated from the Special School District and went on to work for Sheltered Workshop in Manchester, Missouri. Eric competed in Special Olympics for 13 years in track and field events. He won gold medals in the 50-yard dash and relay race. Eric even broke state records for the 50-yard dash! Eric loved God and was a member at Manchester United Methodist church in Manchester, Missouri. Eric has long had a love of maps and enjoyed collecting them. He loved to study his maps and have his mom show him where people he knew lived on the map. Eric will always be remembered for his kindness and how he cared about people.

Services: Visitation at the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, Thursday, November 19, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until time of funeral service at 6:00 p.m. Interment to be private. If desired, contributions may be made to Special Olympics of Missouri. Friends may sign the family’s on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.