Caroline A. (Issler) McCleery

Caroline McCleery, age 99, of Prudenville, died July 27, 2025, at home with family by her side.

She was born on July 3, 1926, at home on Lone Spring Farms in Prospect, Ohio. She graduated from Prospect High School in Ohio and attended Ohio Wesleyan University, where she was in the Delta Gamma Sorority and received her bachelor’s degree in 1948.

In 1949, she married Charles “Tony” McCleery, and over the next few years, they welcomed a daughter and two sons. Over the years, they lived in Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin. She loved to tell people her three children graduated from High Schools in three different states.

Over the years, Caroline spent her free time volunteering for church, school, and community activities. Caroline first visited Houghton Lake in 1938. Her father was an avid fisherman and hunter. In 1940, he bought the cottage on Hillside Avenue, and the family enjoyed swimming, skiing, and, of course, fishing.

In 1988, Caroline and Tony razed the old cottage next door to the family cottage and built their retirement home. Caroline was active in the Houghton Lake Historical Society and the former Houghton Lake United Methodist Church. She was a member of the White Deer Country Club and played in two leagues until she hung up her clubs at the age of 90.

Caroline had a heart of gold and never met a stranger. The family would like to give thanks to all her many dear friends for their love and companionship over the years.

Surviving are her daughter Karen and sons Tac (Ann) and Fred, two grandchildren, two great grandchildren, whom she loved with her whole heart, and brother Tom Issler.

Per Caroline's wishes, cremation will take place, and no services are scheduled at this time. Christler Funeral Home-Prudenville Chapel is serving the family. You may express your condolences to the family at www.christler-holdship.com.

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