Gerda Gampfer Deines

In Loving Memory of Gerda Gampfer Deines

A life beautifully lived, a family deeply loved, and a legacy that will endure for generations.

Gerda Gampfer Deines was born on December 17, 1934, in Germany, to Johannes and Elisabetha Amrell Gampfer. The seventh of eight children, she grew up surrounded by family, faith, and tradition—values that would guide and sustain her throughout her life.

Her spiritual journey began at Friedenskirche (“Peace Church”) in Erlenbrunn, Germany, where she was baptized and confirmed. Her Christian faith remained a steady source of strength, comfort, and hope through every season of her life.

In Germany, Gerda met American soldier Marvin Dean Deines, who was stationed at a nearby U.S. Army base. Their meeting marked the beginning of a lifelong love story. After they married, Gerda immigrated to the United States, courageously embraced a new country and way of life, and became a proud American citizen.

Following several military assignments, Gerda and Marvin settled in Augusta, Georgia, where they built their home and raised seven children. Her greatest joy was being a mother. She gave her children a home filled with love, care, faith, and unwavering devotion, always placing her family at the center of her life.

Faith was always an important part of the life Gerda and Marvin built together. They were among the founding members of Prince of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Martinez, Georgia, where they helped establish a church family that would remain dear to their hearts throughout their lives. It was a meaningful continuation of the faith Gerda had first embraced as a young girl at Peace Church in Germany.

As the years passed, Gerda welcomed the roles of grandmother and great-grandmother with that same tenderness and devotion. She treasured every generation, offering love, wisdom, encouragement, and a gentle presence that made each family member feel special. Her sacrifices and guidance shaped generations and created countless cherished memories.

Gerda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Marvin Dean Deines; daughter-in-law, Jean Deines; and son-in-law, Dwayne Lane.

She leaves behind her seven loving children: Martin Deines; Olinda Lane; Sandy Nimmons and her husband, Bryan; Karen Deines Thomasson; Michael Deines and his wife, Cindy; David Deines; and Christopher Deines and his wife, Vanessa.

She is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren and 2great-great grandchildren, each a treasured part of the remarkable family she and Marvin began together.

Gerda’s legacy lives on in the family she nurtured, the faith she modeled, and the unconditional love she gave so freely. From a young girl in Germany to the beloved matriarch of a family spanning generations, her life was a testament to faith, humility, courage, love, and family.

Though her absence will be deeply felt, her family is grateful for the years they shared with her and finds comfort in the love she gave, the lessons she taught, and the memories that time can never erase. Her presence will continue to live on in the hearts and lives of all who knew and loved her.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial offerings be made in Gerda’s honor to Prince of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Martinez, Georgia, a fitting tribute to a woman whose life was deeply rooted in faith.

Well done, good and faithful servant. — Matthew 25:23

Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever a part of us.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Prince of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Martinez, Georgia. Funeral services will immediately follow at 1:00 PM, with burial to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Augusta, Georgia.

Arrangements were entrusted to Platt's Funeral Home, 337 N. Belair Road, Evans, GA 30809 (706) 860-6166. Please take a moment to share your condolences by signing the online guestbook at plattsfuneralhome.com.