Portage County obituaries for Feb. 20-22, 2026
- Staff Report
Leslie H. Nering
Leslie H. Nering, age 84, passed away peacefully, on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at Living Legacy in Fairlawn, Ohio. He was born on February 8, 1942 to the late Edith and Henry Nering of Cleveland, Ohio and was a lifelong resident of Kent and Brimfield, Ohio.
In addition to his parents, Leslie was preceded in death by his brother Russel Nering, and his beloved wife, Barbara Nering.
He is survived by his son, Michael L. Nering (and his partner Luz Bay), and their children Lucas and Lina; his daughter, Michelle Culley, and her children Maya, Aliayh, and Liam; as well as his sister-in-law, DeVonna Howell of Florida.
Les was an auto mechanic by trade. He owned and operated Nering's Auto Repair for many years, specializing in repairs of the popular Volkswagen cars. If you had a Volkswagen in Kent in the 70s, or 80s chances are Les kept it on the road for you. He also operated many gas stations in town during a bygone time when the attendant would not only pump your gas and clean your windshield but would also offer to check the air pressure in your tires.
In his retirement, Les enjoyed making model airplanes. He would design the planes, craft them out of balsa wood, hand paint the details and then fly them from the end of control lines. His attention to detail and love of the hobby gained him some notoriety in the field. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.
In honoring his wishes, Les will be cremated and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.
To Share a Memory, Send Flowers, or Light a Candle, please visit the Tribute Wall at www.bisslerandsons.com.
Douglas Alexander Dix
Douglas A. Dix, 64, passed away unexpectedly on February 8, 2026.
Doug was born at St. Thomas Hospital in Akron on April 10, 1961 to the late Dr. Harlan & Janet Dix and was a 1979 graduate of Cuyahoga Falls High School. He graduated from Kent State University with a degree in accounting, earned his CPA in 1993, and operated his own accounting practice, Dix and Associates. He was a longtime faithful member of the Victory Baptist Church in Brimfield.
Doug was an outstanding wrestler at Cuyahoga Falls High School placing 5th in the state as junior and 3rd his senior year. He went on to study and wrestle at William and Mary College and became a Captain of the wrestling team. His goal of becoming an All-American was forfeited in the spring of his junior year after a freak accident playing volleyball left him paralyzed from the shoulders down. He felt helpless for some time and he wrestled with the idea of just calling it quits, but God had other plans for Doug. With the help of caretakers and well placed advisors, Doug was able to finish college at Kent State with an Accounting degree, and was the first quadriplegic in the State to pass the CPA exam. During that time Doug surrendered his life to Jesus Christ, and for more than forty years continued to witness from his wheel chair and inspire others to rise and seek a relationship with our Lord and Savior. "Well done, good and faithful servant....Enter into the joy of your master." Mathew 25:21
In addition to his parents, Doug was preceded in death by his sister-in-law Cathy Dix. He is survived by his siblings Bondie (Reid) Hankin, Emmett Clinton (Janet) Dix, Lesley Ann (John) Glase, John Dix, Amy (Tom) Haught & Katy (Gary) Brahler, along with a host of nieces & nephews. He is also survived by many caregivers, including Brian Berry, Barry Whitaker, Pat Jones, Kay Stump, Heather and Dave Brown, Melanie Lambert & Rob Gundlach.
A Celebration of Doug's life will be held on February 21, 2026, at 12 pm, at Redemption Chapel, 3900 Kent Rd. Stow, OH 44224.
Linda L. Dotson
Linda L. Dotson, 88, of Ravenna, with her loving family by her side, passed away at her home on February 17, 2026.
April Dawn Smith
April Dawn Smith (Wynn) 57 of Ravenna, Ohio Born March 23, 1968 in Warren Ohio to George H. Wynn Jr. and Carol Jean Wynn (Guthrie) both deceased.
David Michael Brode
David Michael Brode went to be with Jesus on February 13, 2026. He died peacefully in his sleep at his "happy place," at home in Venice, Florida.
Staff Report