Arlene Mae Sauser

June 24, 1935 - November 11, 2023

Arlene Sauser peacefully entered into the presence of her Lord Jesus Christ on November 11, 2023.

Arlene was the youngest of three children to parents Louis and Anna Siemering. She had an older sister, Esther Dettmann (Daryl Dettmann) and an older brother, Wilbert Siemering (Marion Myers).

Arlene grew up on a farm in Lytton, Iowa and graduated from Lytton High School. After high school she attended college at Iowa State University. She graduated in 1957 with a degree in Home Economics. After graduation Arlene moved to California. She met and married William Thaddeus Sauser and gave birth to their daughter, Rene Sauser (Edmonds, WA) and eighteen months later had a son, Bill Sauser (Sausalito, Calif.).

After Bill was born, Arlene secured a job as a Probation Officer for the City of Los Angeles. She worked her way up, becoming a probation supervisor, and then in 1978 an opportunity to become Chief of Adult Probation for the City of San Francisco presented itself. She interviewed for and got the job. By then Rene was a sophomore at Iowa State and Bill had become a successful entrepreneur.

It was in San Francisco where Arlene met the love of her life, City of San Francisco Fire Chief, Edward Phipps, who would become her husband, best friend, and life partner. Together they enjoyed many activities, but what they enjoyed most was entertaining their many friends and family.

Arlene retired in 1997, after serving 19 years as Chief of Adult Probation for the City.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents Louis and Anna; her sister, Esther and Esther’s husband Daryl; her brother, Will and his wife Marion.

Besides husband Ed; daughter, Rene and son, Bill, those left to cherish her memory include her three step-sons, Kevin Phipps (Beth) of Pacifica, Calif, Mike Phipps of San Francisco, Calif. and Tim Phipps of San Francisco, Calif.; step-grandchildren, Bridget Phipps of Orlando, Fla., Briana Phipps of New York, N.Y., and Maura Phipps of Pacifica, Calif; niece, Deb (Ted) Sandquist of Highlands Ranch, Colo; nephews, Dennis (Peggy) Dettmann of Sac City, Iowa, Donavon (Becky) Dettmann of Sac City, Iowa; niece Dee Dee (Steven) Schultz of Sac City, Iowa; and nephew Robert Siemering (Kirstin) of Burlington, Mass.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church, 666 Filbert Street, San Francisco, 94133.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish are requested to donate to a charity of their choice in Arlene’s memory.