Portage County obituaries for Jan. 27-28

Doreen Rae (Knapp) Riley

Doreen Rae (Knapp) Riley, born February 18, 1963, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2025, leaving behind an enduring legacy of love, strength, and leadership. She was the devoted mother to her son, Christopher, the cherished daughter of Janie and the late Ray Knapp, and a loving sister to Mark, Kelly (Doug), and Ray (Gretchen). Doreen was a proud and caring aunt to Olivia, Caroline, Catie, Allison, and Harrison.

A graduate of Archbishop Hoban High School in Akron, Doreen went on to earn degrees from The Ohio State University and the University of Georgia. Her career in Advancement took her to prestigious institutions, including the Aspen Institute, the University of Georgia, The Association of Governing Boards, John Carroll University, and most recently, the Northeast Ohio Medical University in Rootstown, Ohio, where she was a dedicated colleague, leader, and mentor to many.

Known for her many talents, Doreen was a gifted seamstress and an Olympic torchbearer during the 1996 Atlanta Summer Games—a moment she cherished deeply. A true fighter and survivor, she faced life’s challenges with unparalleled courage and determination. Whether she was leading teams, mentoring young professionals, or simply being a loyal friend, Doreen was always a doer—turning ideas into action, and dreams into reality.

Throughout her life, Doreen had the honor of meeting four U.S. Presidents, reflecting her remarkable journey and the many connections she made with people from all walks of life. Her love for travel took her to far-flung places, and her curiosity and adventure never ceased.

Friends are invited to calling hours at St. Joseph Church, 2643 Waterloo Road, Mogadore, OH 44260, on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., immediately followed by a Mass, Burial, and a Celebration of Life luncheon.

May she rest in peace, knowing her impact will never be forgotten.

Herman J. Minard

Herman J. Minard 88 of Mantua passed away Sunday, January 26, 2025. Herman was born in Kent, Ohio to Maude and Harry Minard.

His brother, Clark Minard preceded him in death. Herman married Peg Irwin Minard in 1959 at the old Mantua Methodist church and they spent a wonderful life together in Mantua, Ohio. They had three children, Kelly Wheaton (Samuel), Kenneth Minard (Pamela), and Joseph Minard (Marie). They have six grandchildren, Todd, Abraham, Benjamin, Scott, Erin, and Grayce. Their great grandchildren are Graham, Norah, Myles, Josey, Riley, Cheyenne, Stella, Declan, Brielle, Beckett, and Henry.

Herman was committed to his wife and family. He was a hard worker who never missed a day of work. His personality was exemplified by his ability to connect with children and young people. He was the consummate storyteller with an incredible imagination and sense of humor. He served as pastor of the Brady Lake Chapel church where he followed the teachings of Christ by ministering to the congregation. In addition, Herman worked in manufacturing. He was a passionate fisherman, with his favorite fishing places being Lake Rockwell and the Cuyahoga River. He loved taking everyone he knew down the river to fish and party. He loved to hike, and the great outdoors was where he was happiest. In retirement, Herman spent time helping elderly women of the community with household maintenance and transporting them to doctor’s appointments and the store.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Mantua-Shalersville fire department in memory of Herman Minard at 10303 St. Rte. 44 in Mantua, Ohio 44255.

Irene V. Schiele

Irene V. Schiele, 91, passed away on January 19, 2025. She was born on January 12, 1934, the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Ross.

She was a woman of faith and a former member of Kent Presbyterian Church, and recently attended Tallmadge Bible Church. 

She had a deep commitment to caring for others which was ingrained and developed during her training as a Registered Nurse and serving at local hospitals and Public Health.

Irene was not only a devoted nurse but also a lover of books, classic movies, and bird watching. She enjoyed watching sports, especially women’s college sports, little league baseball, and tennis. Traveling was another of Irene’s passions, particularly her many visits to Malabor Farms, a place that brought her joy. Her most cherished memory was in the winter with her husband riding in a horse drawn sleigh at Hale Farm. Food was her love language and she enjoyed being surrounded by family and friends over a meal, dessert, or any snack. No one had any excuse to leave hungry or without a smile.

Irene leaves behind a legacy rich in kindness, compassion, a sense of humor, and love. She will be lovingly remembered by all whose lives she touched, an enduring reminder that these are the greatest gifts we can offer each other. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband of 63 years, Raymond “Lou”; grandson Christopher Hoskins; and siblings Nancy Cappo, Nick Ross, Joseph Ross, Jim Trachsel, and Tom Ross.

Irene is survived by her loving family; children, Claudia Hoskins, Timothy (Robin) Schiele, Aaron (Jennie) Schiele, Mary (Carl) Steckel, Dorothy (Gary) Scharenbroch, and Billy Schiele: sister Louisa (Harvey) Ross Jackson; and many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. 

Memorial Service on Saturday, February 8th, Tallmadge Bible Church (1155 East Ave, Tallmadge, OH 44278) given by Pastor Zach Reeves with a Receiving hour from 10:00 -11:00 am followed by Memorial Service at 11:00am.

Cremation will take place and she will be placed to rest alongside her husband at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery at a later date.

To share a memory of Irene or leave a special message for her family, visit the guest book below. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Haven of Rest, Akron. 

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Roberto Trilli

Roberto Trilli, age 87, of Ravenna, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 25, 2025.

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John W. Porter

John W. Porter, 96, of Garrettsville, OH, went home to his Lord and Savior Thursday, January 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was the first born of ten on September 26, 1928, in Windham, OH, to the late Elmer and Ethel (nee Shively) Porter.

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