Leonard N. Stemple

Leonard N. “Lenny” Stemple passed away on August 5, 2024 at the age of 93. Born in Akron, Lenny graduated from West High School where he excelled in basketball, even being named to the All City and All County Team. He was offered a scholarship to Akron University, but instead went to serve his country in the Korean War. His working career led him to General Tire, where he retired as a Union Worker’s Comp Representative. Always a stellar athlete, Lenny became the Ohio Senior State Racquetball Champion twice in his later years. His full life was made all the better when he met and then married the love of his life Natalie in 1970. Natalie was a rock to Lenny, and when she preceded him in death in 2014, he never lost his loneliness for her. If you saw Lenny in any setting during the last ten years, Natalie’s picture became part of your conversation with him. He loved her deeply.

Lenny never met a stranger and endeared himself to many.  Always sitting by the front door, he was named Special Ambassador at Mulberry Gardens Assisted Living

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Bessie Stemple; his wife Natalie; three brothers and two sisters. He is survived by his sister Betty Flinner; brother-in-law Mark (Sally) Yankovich; and many nieces and nephews. He was always blessed by special friends Doug Dix and Lisa Vaught.

During the last ten years Leonard never lacked for anything because of the care he received from his niece Genel (Mike) Nichols and brother-in-law Mark Yankovich.  Special thanks to the exceptional staff from Traditions Health Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made, in his name, to the Portage Animal Protective League, 8122 Infirmary Rd. Ravenna, OH 44240.

Visitation will be Monday, August 19, 2024 from 10:00AM-11:00AM at Bissler and Sons Funeral Home, 628 W. Main St. Kent, OH 44240.  Funeral services will follow on Monday at 11:00AM at the funeral home.  Committal service with military honors will be held at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.

Services in the care of Bissler and Sons Funeral Home, 628 W. Main St. Kent, OH 44240.