Arlene Virginia Geringer, a native Californian, passed away July 2, 2025. She was the daughter of Arnold and Tillie Sjosten, born in Lodi, California. She graduated from Lodi High School and attended Delta College in Stockton.
Arlene worked for Pacific Gas & Electric in Stockton, California, where her future mother-in-law was also employed. It was during this time that Arlene corresponded with her future husband, Glen C. Geringer, during the Korean conflict. They were married in 1956, for 64 years. She is survived by her daughters Gayle Bensusan of Santa Cruz, Jill Capanna (Carl) of Los Angeles, son John, and five grandchildren – Julia, Mitchell, Blake, Zoë and Mia.
Arlene was a classic homemaker – sewing, baking, canning and cooking. She was known for her apple pies and applesauce made from the tree on their property, and for her aebleskiver pancake breakfasts and Swedish meatballs. Arlene had a deep appreciation for color, which she manifested in her home decor, wardrobe, eggery art, oil and watercolor paintings. As the family was growing up, she served as a Cub Scout den mother, room mother and PTA leader. She also assisted with the activities of her church’s youth choir.
After selling their Buick-Chevrolet dealership in Tracy where they lived for 20 years, Arlene and Glen were called to minister in leadership with Pacific Asian Evangelism in Hawaii. For seven years Arlene handled all publicity and wrote the PAE newsletter which was sent to 3,000 people several times each year. She was an adult school teacher and was very active as a leader with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and also with her children in their outrigger canoe clubs. She was a teacher, leader and speaker with her women’s bible study fellowship. Arlene and Glen travelled with their Valentines Group of friends to numerous places in the United States and overseas.
After leaving Hawai’i to move to Santa Cruz, Arlene served as the Executive Assistant to the District Superintendent of the Northern California Assemblies of God district office for 11 years. She and Glen were members of Christian Life Center and Santa Cruz Bible Church.
Arlene wrote: If I could leave you with a challenge, it would be to put all your faith in Jesus Christ to make true the song “I have decided to follow Jesus…the world behind me, the cross before me,” the theme of your heart. You will be putting your trust in the faithfulness of the Creator of the universe. God is real. He is trustworthy. Live to honor God and fully embrace the steadfast promises of God.
If you would like to send your condolences to Arlene’s family, please visit www.scmemorial.com.
Author: gqlshare
https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/obituaries/arlene-virginia-geringer-santa-cruz-ca/
