Ernest Gary Gygax Jr. Obituary

With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Ernest Gary Gygax Jr. of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, who passed away on February 28, 2025 at the age of 65. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.

As Ernest departs from this earthly realm, his essence lingers — a whisper on the wind, a ripple on the water — a testament to the enduring power of love to transcend the boundaries of life and death. Though Ernest may no longer walk beside us, his spirit lives on in the memories and the legacy Ernest leaves behind.

He was predeceased by: his father Gary Gygax; and his former wife Debroah Markiling. He is survived by: his mother Mary Jo Powell; his wife Donna Jovani; and his siblings, Elise Cousino (Bill), Heidi Garland (Erik), Cindy Tsu (Ming), Luke Gygax (Bouchra) and Alex (Kendra).

In lieu other forms of sympathy the family has asked that you donate in Ernie's name to: Friends of Hilmoor (https://friendsofhillmoor.com).

Funeral arrangement under the care of
Derrick Funeral Home & Cremation Services

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A person wrote a message from the heart

March 4, 2025

Rich ThaAgent wrote a sympathy message

“I have chatted with Ernest Gygax Jr for years online under my screen name Vincent Von Ghoul, about the origins of the game we all love. In those many conversations, I have always found Ernie to be very cordial and happy to discuss things that make so many of us happy. Ernie was like that in my experience. His making other people happy at his own expense or time shows just what a great person he was. I salute you Mr. Gygax. Condolences and prayers to all hurting for his loss.”

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Mar 23

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7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, WI 53147

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