Caroline Ostrander passed away on July 1, 2025, at the age of 100. She was born on April 14, 1925, in Bell Center, Wisconsin, the daughter of John and Myrtle (BeeBe) Martin. One of nine siblings, Caroline was the last surviving member of her immediate family and recently celebrated her centennial birthday—a milestone marked with love and admiration.
Caroline met the love of her life, Leighton Ostrander, at the local town water pump. Their sweet courtship led to marriage when Caroline was just 16 years old, in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin on December 14, 1941. Together, they built a life rooted in love and family, raising four children: Robert (Bob) Ostrander, Carol Entrekin, Patricia (Patty) Kramer, and Diane Ostrander.
Caroline was a woman of many joys. She loved dancing, painting, puzzles, gardening, and cooking. Her greatest joy, however, was spending time with her family—especially her grandchildren, who were truly the light of her life.
She is survived by her children: Robert (Nancy) Ostrander, Carol Entrekin, and Diane Ostrander; 10 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and 22 great-great-grandchildren, with one more on the way.
Caroline is preceded in death by her beloved parents, John and Myrtle Martin; her husband, Leighton Ostrander; her cherished daughter, Patricia Kramer; and her eight siblings: Clyde Martin, Millie Bjoranson, Marguerite Lusth, Elizabeth Hometh, Emeougene Howlett, LaVera Sterling, Betty McCullick, and Jack Martin.
Caroline’s legacy lives on through the generations of family she inspired and the love she shared so generously. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Services are pending.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin is helping the family with the arrangements.