Maria Bakes

Maria “Mitzi” Bakes, 83, passed away Saturday, January 3, 2026 at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa.

Maria was born in Yugoslavia on September 5, 1942, the only child to Peter and Anna (Fischler) Bakes. Peter was called off to WW2 and was killed in battle when Maria was two years old. She lived in Austria until age 13 and then moved to the states, Milwaukee WI, with her mom in 1955. Her mom remarried and the family moved to Chicago. While in Chicago Josef Wolfgang Bakes, her only child, was born in 1965. A work opportunity brought Maria, son Joe, and Maria's mom Anna to Iowa. She retired from her work at Standard/Amoco (now British Petroleum/BP) around age 65.

Throughout her life until physically unable, Maria loved to dance. She was a devout Roman Catholic. She loved to travel too. Her living spaces were always covered with pictures--family, religious, travel mementos, outdoor life, etc. Maria was a two-time breast cancer survivor.

The last year and 1/2 Maria lived at Calvin Community in Des Moines. She introduced her fellow retirees and several Calvin staff to the card game of Skip-Bo. The easiest way to get on Maria's good side was to join her in a game of Skip-Bo. Maria's wit, direct questioning, and lovable frowns and smiles will be missed at Calvin Community.

Maria is survived by her son, Joe Bakes of Las Vegas; and several cousins living both in the states and in Austria.

She is preceded in death by her parents.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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