Ernest Gary Gygax Jr.

Ernest Gary Gygax Jr., 65, of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin passed away surrounded by loved ones on February 28th, 2025.

Ernie was born on September 2, 1959, in Chicago, Illinois, to Mary Jo Powell and the late Ernest Gary Gygax Sr. When Ernie was a toddler, his family decided to move to Lake Geneva, WI, where he grew up and become a member of the graduating class of 1977 from Badger High School in Lake Geneva. In September of 2024 Ernie was united into marriage to Donna Jovani.

Ernie was the eldest son of Gary Gygax, co-creator of Dungeons & Dragons, and was an original play tester and helped shape the game with his ambitious and relentlessly play. Ernie's characters would eventually become legendary in the D&D universe. A jovial raconteur and consummate of storytelling, Ernie loved to share the things that brought him joy and welcomed friends with open arms. He taught thousands of people of all ages how to enjoy games of all types. He will be entered at the great gaming table Hall of Fame. His love of nature, history, geography, classic movies, the Chicago Bears, and all animals was unprecedented.

Ernie's multiple careers in and around United States included: Executive VP of Consumer Services TSR Inc., which included Manager of the Dungeon Hobby Shop, Mail order, Gen Con and the RPGA. Manager of the Game Guild, VP Creative for Dungeons & Dragons Entertainment in Beverly Hills, CA., Associate Editor of Strategy & Tactics Magazine, co-author of the Lost City of Gaxmoor and the Marmoreal Tomb, Founder and partner of GP Adventures, Author, Game designer and on the Board of Directors for Friends of Hillmoor group.

Ernie is survived by his devoted wife, Donna, his mother Mary Jo, five siblings: Elise (Bill) Cousino, Heidi (Erik) Garland, Cindy (Ming) Tsu, Luke (Bouchra) Gygax and Alex (Kendra) Gygax along with many nieces and nephews. Ernie was proceeded in death by his father Ernest Gary Sr., and his first wife Debroah Markiling.

Friends and family are invited to a memorial service that will be held at the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva, WI, on Sunday March 23rd. 2025 at 9:00am in the Lobby Lounge.

To post an online condolence please visit www.derrickfuneralhome.com

Derrick Funeral Home of Lake Geneva is honored to be assisting the Gygax family.