Leslie 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 2, 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.

Cremation services in the care of Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 W. Main St. Kent, OH 44240.