Mike & Cindi Bakenies

Cindi and Mike both grew up in Richmond Heights and met when she was in ninth grade and he was in 10th grade. They dated off and on throughout high school. After graduating, Mike went into the landscaping business and interior painting. Cindi became a dental assistant. They moved to Aurora in 1997 and Mike went into painting full-time. He recently retired.

Cindi was a dental assistant until her first child was born, then she learned more about insurance and did transcriptions while her kids were young. She then moved into medical management. She ended that career as an executive director of physician services for a company that staffed hospital programs.

In 2007, she became a licensed real estate agent on the side. Since retiring, she now does that full-time.

Mike and Cindi were engaged in 1970. They said, “We were always drawn back to each other. We had comfort and trust and we wanted to be our own family.”

The wedding took place at St. Paschal Church in Highland Heights; the first couple to be married in that church. Their reception was held at John Carroll University with 350-400 guests. Mohamad Ali was at the university that weekend and the local newspaper covering his event mentioned that an Italian wedding held at the university outdrew Mohamad Ali’s event!

They purchased their first home in Richmond Heights, where they lived until building a home in The Lakes of Aurora in 1997. They have two children (Michael and Melissa) and four grandsons.

The Bakenies have been members of Walden for 20 years and love it. They have hosted many parties at the Club and Barn. “The Barn is one of the most spectacular restaurants,” they say. “It is a hidden gem. When we have something special, we go to the Barn.” The new bar and deck at the Club is a favorite spot. Every few months, they have a big family dinner at the Club. They also enjoy Monday night movies and the Spa.

The Bakenies’ secret to a successful marriage is “trust, allowing your partner personal time and space, not sweating the small stuff, communication and respect.”