Arlene Pauline Zimmerman

Arlene Pauline Zimmerman was the Ultimate Caregiver. She was born on the borders of Travis and Williamson County on February 23, 1932, to Paul Andrew and Hattie Gertrude (Wolff) Sessler. On September 15, 2025 at 7:08 a.m. she went to her forever home in heaven to join her parents, her beloved husband of 35 years, Edward Lee “Shorty” Zimmerman, her brother, Marvin Sessler and grandson, Jonathan Zimmerman at the age of 93 at her home that she shared with her daughter, Brenda and husband, Chris whom she blew a “Kiss” to as one of her final gestures of Love. She was a woman of great faith and passionate about everything she did, especially her family and her work ethic. She enjoyed working and had a deep love for the family by instilling honesty and honoring each other. She had a witty sense of humor and loved to smile and laugh.

Arlene is survived by her son, Edward Lee Zimmerman Jr; her daughter, Brenda Lea Glaser and husband, Chris; 6 grandchildren, Amanda Zimmerman, Andrew Zimmerman and wife, Katie, Garrett Zimmerman, Hannah Sherman, Erin Campbell and husband, Matthew and Josh Sherman; along with 2 great-grandchildren, Axel Michael Zimmerman and Sammie Ray Lynn Zimmerman with numerous nieces, nephews and friends. We would like to honor the Glaser family in England who are Chris Glaser's children; grandchildren, Zach Glaser and Traci, great grandchildren, Sarah May, Eliza Grace, Callen Ros and CJ; and Josh Glaser who lives in Kerrville, Texas.

On the day Arlene was born, there came a torrential rainstorm and the farmland filled up with so much water, the doctor driving out to deliver the baby got stuck in a ditch and Arlene’s dad had to drive his tractor and pull him out. All went well and Arlene was delivered, but the doctor had to stay the night at the house and of course Arlene’s mom made him breakfast the next morning before he left.

As a child, Arlene loved to go to church and she would even be dropped off as a little child and go by herself many times because her parents had to work, but they always made sure Arlene made it! After church, her dad always took her to a general store in downtown Pflugerville to pick out 1 piece of candy. It was truly the highlight of her week! She memorized these 3 scripture passages Psalm 100 Psalm 23 and Psalm 91 and she continued to pray Psalm 91 over her family every day. She prayed a lot as a little girl and when she was still very young, she remembered getting on her hands and knees and sobbing and thanking God for the ending of World War II. This was a defining moment in her life as she observed all of America celebrating in strength and unity! It was a wonderful time to be alive!

She also enjoyed playing and visiting with her cousins; They would get together often and play Annie Over. She was an excellent student in school and was the second highest in her class. She graduated as the Salutatorian at Round Rock High School all while being a Cheerleader, a Lead Flag Bearer, a Clarinet Player, and many other social clubs/activities. Arlene even worked every day after school at Quick Pharmacy downtown Round Rock and stayed involved in church on Sundays. Since work was mentioned, let’s Just say “oh my goodness did she ever LOVE to work!” Her first job was when she was 5 years old, she ran the tractor on the farm with her dad beside her and at age 14 she got special permission to work at Quick pharmacy Drug store, downtown Round Rock.

Even though her schedule was full during high school, she still had time to meet the love of her life, Edward Lee Zimmerman otherwise known as Shorty. They knew each other as children, but Clem Mikeska set them up on a blind date and after the 5th date Shorty walked Arlene to the front porch and asked if he could have her first kiss and that kiss connected them forever. Some of the songs you will hear in the slide show were songs Shorty sang to Arlene. One time Shorty sang “Baby Face” while standing on the side boards of Arlene’s truck while she drove very slowly down the road. The love they shared for each other was deep, pure and never ending. Even when Shorty went off to the Navy at age 16, they stayed in constant contact. They married on October 18th 1952 they shared 10 full years together before they had their first child, Edward Lee Zimmerman Jr. born May 16th, 1962.

During those 10 years before children, Shorty and Arlene painted together, bowled together, double dates, attended church and just pure wholesome small town living! After Edward was born, the family had another addition, Brenda Lea came into the picture 6 years later, born April 22nd, 1968.

Arlene advanced from Quick Pharmacy to work downtown Austin at the State Department in the Liquor Control Board Department. She drove a friend, Johnnie Pecht, to an interview and they ended up hiring the friend and Arlene! Arlene LOVED working at the State Department. In order to save money, she would car pool and bring a sack lunch each day. She and coworkers would have a picnic on the grass at the State Capital. She worked several jobs throughout her life including department stores as a switch board operator, crossing guard, and lunchroom monitor, where she saved 3 children’s life from choking. The last job she had was at First Texas Bank where she retired at age 80, but she continued to work by taking care of her grand babies, her very own special treasures!

Before all the grand-babies and when Ed and Brenda were in school, Shorty and Arlene had an “open door policy” at their home for all of the students of Round Rock High School, family, neighbors and friends to come over, play pool and hang out.

Arlene was a mother to many and I think everyone felt like they were her favorite. She had a way of loving deeply and uniquely to each individual. Her children, grandchildren and nieces and nephews were top priority!

It is her hope that her legacy of loving Jesus, being involved in Church, strong family bond, stellar work ethics and love for our county would continue through her children forever.

Keep Arlene’s passions alive by keeping these things alive in your life too! The family would like to add a special Thank You to Lori Gilliam for being mom's amazing hospice nurse.

A visitation for Arlene will be held Thursday, September 25, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660.

A celebration of life will occur Friday, September 26, 2025 at 2:00 PM, 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660. Family has invited anyone to wear Arlene's favorite colors; Turquoise, Purple or Lavender in her honor. Serving as pallbearers will be Gordon Israel, Jason Zimmerman, Lee Zimmerman, Paul Sessler, Josh Sherman, Garrett Zimmerman, Brian Jackson, and Andrew Zimmerman with son, Axel Michael Zimmerman.

A committal service will occur Friday, September 26, 2025 at 3:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery, 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660.