Helen June Bakos, 82, passed away peacefully at Hospice Home of Hope on April 29, 2019. She was born June 29, 1936 in Los Angeles, CA to Andrew and Leslie (White) Merry.  Helen attended high school at El Monte High School in El Monte, CA.  After high school, Helen worked for AT&T as one of the first 9-1-1 operators on a pilot program in L.A. 

She met John Bakos while attending the car race.  They were married on February 28, 1959, in Sarasota, FL.  Helen and John relocated to Lake X in Kissimmee, FL for John’s boat racing career working for Carl Kiekhaefer.  In 1966, they relocated again to Fond du Lac, where John continued working for Kiekhaefer.  Although Helen and John divorced in 1989, they remained lifelong friends. For several years, Helen worked in hospitality in the Fond du Lac area. She was a waitress at the Left Guard Restaurant where she met many of the Green Bay Packers. That is where her true love of the Green Bay Packers began.

Helen also worked at the Holiday Inn for several years and especially enjoyed working for Jean Winkler and Dennis Stahmann.  Some of her fondest memories were working during the EAA, which gave her opportunities to connect with many aviation enthusiasts, such as herself.  

Helen’s hobbies included gardening, bowling, boating, flying, snowmobiling, photography, sewing, crocheting and knitting. Her grandchildren would say she was a tech-savvy grandma. She loved making oodles of Christmas cookies for the family, as well as enjoying her daily 4 PM Bloody Mary on her patio.  Those who knew Helen, knew she made a secret dip and razzed anyone who tried to guess the recipe.

In her spare time, Helen spent numerous hours at ice rinks watching her grandsons play hockey and her granddaughters figure skate.  She also enjoyed watching her grandchildren swim, play soccer and play t-ball. Helen was the biggest fan of Verona Grove, her grandson’s band.

Helen knitted Siberian Husky hats for the annual Can’t Depend on Snow Husky Dog Sled Race held at Rolling Meadows Golf Course. Eight years ago, Helen had a wild idea to get a puppy. Her family thought she would get a small dog, but Helen came home with a Siberian Husky she named “Izzie.” Izzie became Helen’s baby…her pride and joy. Helen cooked for Izzie and spoiled her. Three weeks ago, Helen decided to rehome Izzie, knowing she was too ill to care for her.

Helen was social and liked to have fun. Many referred to her as a “hoot.” When you were with her, you knew you were going to have a great time. Above all, Helen supported her children and grandchildren in everything they did. She is survived by two daughters Robin Anders, Fond du Lac and Ronda Bakos (Michael Leonhard), West Bend; grandchildren Kelly (Jim) Krause, Tony (Heather) Anders, Ashley (Jason) Thomas, Ian Devenport, Paige Devenport and Maxx Devenport; great grandchildren Adelyn, Paisley, Layne, Lennon and William.

Helen is further survived by her sister Shirley Morrill, several nieces and nephews and many friends.Helen was preceded in death by her son-in-law Mark Anders, her brother Richard Merry, her parents and her dear friend, John Bakos.

VISITATION: Helen’s family invites relatives and friends for a time of visitation on Thursday, May 2nd, 2019 at Zacherl Funeral Home, 875 E. Division St., Fond du Lac, from 3:00 to 4:45 PM.

SERVICE: A funeral service will be held after visitation at 5:00 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers that donations be made to Can’t Depend on Snow Husky Dog Sled Race, a local fundraiser for Make a Wish Foundation.  Please make checks payable to: Can’t Depend on Snow. Please write in memo: Make a Wish Foundation; Mail to: Can’t Depend on Snow, c/o Mike Schwandt, 91 15th Street, Fond du Lac, WI 54935.

The family thanks Dr. Michael Jones, Dr. Michael Vandercoy, and the staff at the Cancer Center and at the Hospice Home of Hope for their wonderful care.

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