Dale Glen Nething

Dale Nething, age 90, died in his Charlestown home on February 10, 2026. He was the son of Clarence and Ruth Wise of Bellaire, Ohio. When Dale was in 2nd grade, his family moved back to Charlestown Twp. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Dorothy Nething Griffith. Dale is survived by his wife Helen Swenk Nething, sons Don (Mary Ann), Dennis Nething, and former Daughter in law Lori Phile Nething. Grandsons Daniel Nething of Cincinnati; Cory (Kylee) Nething, Benjamin (Margeaux) Nething, Brock (Jessica), all local. Great Grandchildren: Virginia, twins Roy Nething & Will, Charlee Nething; Sawyer and Charlee, Christopher and Parker. Dale graduated from Ravenna Township High School and went into the US Air Force. He served at Wright-Patterson AFB, and in Idaho for advanced training for nuclear power installations. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Helen (Schwank) Nething for 70 years. In 1968, Dale and his father built a house, quonset hut shop and a hog barn. He established Maplecrest Farms on Knapp Road. Son Don signed on as a full partner on his 18th birthday.

Dale was a hog farmer for many years. When hogs were sold by grade and yield, Dale’s hogs were regularly rated in the top 25% of quality in the nation. After markets changed and hog farming was not reliable, Dale began his off-farm work, maintaining and drilling natural gas and oil wells in the oil and natural gas field throughout northeast Ohio. He continued to actively do field work up to his 90th birthday . Dale was raised in a generation that expected to help serve the community where they lived. He had over 30 years with Charlestown VFD, eventually serving as a captain. In the early years the farm shop was used to repair fire trucks. He also answered accident calls as a First Responder. In the early 2000s, Dale was first on the scene at a semi-truck accident on SR 14 near the farm. He pulled the driver away from the accident before a tire exploded, saving the driver’s life. He was recognized by the Red Cross as a “ Hometown Hero”. When their sons were 4-H age, Dale and Helen founded the Portage Porkers 4H Club, which has existed for over 50 years. His outreach has helped hundreds of Portage County kids learn about agriculture and specifically, good stewardship in raising pigs. In 2024, he was recognized for his decades of service to the Randolph Market Animal Sales program of the Portage County/Randolph Fair. In 2025, Portage County Farm Bureau awarded him their award for Lifetime Distinguished Service. Dale was a certified tech official for Ohio’s State Tractor Pullers (OSTPA), working pulls all over Ohio. It is a fact that Dale’s favorite week of the year was during the Randoph/Portage County Fair, for hog shows, tractor pulls and friends. There will be no funeral or services. His final resting place will be at his farm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Jr. Fair Market Livestock program, via Portage County Fair, c/o Dale Nething. Please visit www.sscfuneralhomes.com to offer a condolence, share a memory or light a candle.