Spencerport, NY: Arleen Ruth (House) Quetschenbach passed away peacefully on May 5, 2021, at the age of 96, with her daughter Janet Lau holding her hand. Arleen was born to Carrie and Ernest J. House, Sr. on August 28, 1924, in Rochester, NY, the second of what was to become a family of five children. Despite the fact that four of them grew up during the Great Depression, she had fond memories of her childhood with her siblings and friends.
Arleen was the athlete of the family and enjoyed playing and watching any sport, which remained true throughout her life. Around the age of 40, Arleen decided she wanted to try water-skiing. Before she could do that she taught herself to swim! An avid golfer, Arleen was proud of her hole-in-one at Twin Hills on #11. Even in the last few months, Arleen continued to follow her favorite baseball teams, PGA tournaments, bowling, women’s basketball, and the Buffalo Bills.
She attended Harding Elementary School in Gates and graduated from Spencerport High School in 1942. Arleen was proud to have been a cadet in WWII under the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps. She graduated from Rochester General Hospital, School of Nursing in 1944 as a registered nurse. Her nursing career took her down several paths. One being Rochester General Hospital, another as school nurse at Spencerport High School and then into the private sector. On September 21, 1946, Arleen married Richard Quetschenbach and they enjoyed more than 50 years together until his death in 1997. They began their life together in Great Falls, Montana, where Arleen played catcher on the semi-professional Women’s World Softball team. This is also where they welcomed their daughter Janet. Arleen’s in-laws were so excited to have a little girl in the family that they bought a car (they never had one) and Grandpa Quetschenbach got his driver license, and the family drove out to Montana to see their first grandchild.
Her family remembers Arleen’s cooking skills with great appreciation! She was in charge of the chicken BBQ at family reunions, made homemade soup for friends and family, and hosted holiday open houses featuring her delicious Swedish meatballs and prime rib. Arleen was a member of Parma Baptist Church and a resident of Ogden Gardens where she enjoyed many friendships. She also loved and greatly missed the companionship of her poodle, Harley.
In addition to her parents and husband, Arleen was predeceased by three of her siblings Vivian (Leonard) Schultz, Retired Lt. Colonel Ernest House, Jr., Elizabeth (Raymond) Webster; her brother-in-law Ronald Lockwood; niece Barbara (House) Lawless; nephew Mark House; parents-in-law Fred and Florence Quetschenbach; sister-in-law Janet S. Quetschenbach; brother-in-law Glenn Quetschenbach.
In addition to her daughter, loved ones surviving Arleen include her grandson and light of her life, Daniel Richard Lau (Brandi); adored great-grandchildren Etta Mae, Elizabeth Arleen, and Wyatt Richard Lau; sister Judith Lockwood; sister-in-law Patricia House; brother-in-law Fred Quetschenbach; sister-in-law Elaine Quetschenbach. Arleen was fortunate to enjoy close ties with her many nieces, nephews, and cousins who survive her. Arleen is also survived by her longtime friend and traveling companion, Marlene Speers.
No prior calling hours. Private burial at the convenience of the family.
Donations in Arleen’s memory may be sent to Lollypop Farm, the Jewish Home of Rochester or Aurora House in Spencerport.
