Arlene Desko

ARLENE (Holm) DESKO passed away Nov 29, 2018 in Winnetka, Ca.

Arlene was born Oct 14, 1932, a twin, in Chicago, Ill to Frank and Deloris Holm.

The family moved to Reseda, Ca during the Great Depression in the 1930’s. Always in search of a better job, her father eventually found one with SoCal Edison in Big Creek, a company town in the High Sierra Mountains east of Fresno, Ca. Arlene grew up surrounded by piney mountains, rivers, lakes and she knew almost everyone in the small town. Arlene enjoyed a special country life far from the big cities. She graduated from Big Creek Elementary School and Sierra High School in three years, and came back to Sierra High in 1951 to graduate with her twin brother, Raymond.

Arlene moved to Fresno to attend college and was also a part time telephone switchboard operator for Bell Telephone Corp. She began dating John Desko and eventually eloped and married in Monessen, Pa, John’s hometown. They settled in Canoga Park, Ca where two daughters were born: Carrie and Janet. Arlene had a full career at Deluxe Corp, a checks manufacturer, while at the same time raising her two daughters as a single mom.

Arlene was smart, independent and enjoyed life. Most important in her later years were her three grandchildren: Sky, Casey and Haley. 

Arlene retired to Camarillo Springs Senior Park in Ventura County and became an avid table tennis player, a hobby she mastered at an early age. She would take on anyone who was willing to play, and competed in tournaments around the USA. She was active in senior activities and was always driving up and down Highway 101 visiting family, friends and especially her three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Arlene was always immensely supportive and close to her immediate family. In her final three years, she gave up driving and her daughter, Carrie cared for her in her home in Winnetka, Ca.

Arlene is survived by her daughter, Carrie; grandchildren, Haley of Portland, Or, Casey of Atlanta, Ga and Sky of Reseda, Ca; great grandchildren, Xoe and Kai of Reseda, Ca; brother, Raymond Holm (Roxie); nieces and nephews, Debbie Carmandalian, Beth Brown, Julie Hohenbrink, Heidi Parks, Mark and Rod Hansen; and cousins, Ray Koski and Leo Hughes.

Arlene is preceded in death by her daughter, Janet Desko; brother, Richard Holm; sister, Carol (Holm) Hansen; and former husband, John Desko. 

A Funeral Service will be held on Wed, Dec 12, 2018 at 2pm at the Chapel of the Valley at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park in Camarillo, Ca. 

...Family in the care of Erin Arteaga, Funeral Director