Roseville Illinois - Madeline Eunice Theresa Claseman passed away November 4, 2009, at the Roseville Country Manor, Roseville, Illinois. Madeline was born in Nowlin, South Dakota on March 18, 1914, to Elias and Antonette (Van Ham) Mercy. Her mother died of the Spanish flu when Madeline was 14 months old. Her father was killed in a railroad accident when she was 13 years old. She was raised by foster parents from that time on. Madeline graduated from Wall High School, Wall, South Dakota, as Salutatorian of her class. She worked during her high school years at the famous Wall Drug Store. She married Robert Joseph Claseman on September 29, 1934, in Rapid City, South Dakota, where they resided their entire married life. The highlight of Madeline and Bob's career was the role of foster parents to mentally-challenged individuals from the Black Hills Sheltered Workshop. They were introduced to this career because of their son Joey's various mental illnesses. They were named South Dakota Foster Parents of the Year (for their 17 foster children) sometime in the 70s. They suffered a setback when one of the dormitories was destroyed and their home severely damaged during the flood of 1972. They rebuilt their home and a new dormitory, and continued to work with mentally-challenged individuals for many years. Madeline was very active in Westminster Presbyterian Church, helping with weddings and funerals for 40 years. Preceding Madeline in death were her husband, one son, Robert Joseph, Jr., sisters Marie Root, Selma Ziegenbein, Rosalie Beaton and brothers Charles and Frank Mercy. She is survived by one daughter, Peggy McIntyre, St. Louis, Mo.; a brother, John Mercy, Tulsa, Ok.; a foster son Martin O'Laughlin, Rapid City; one grandson, William Jeffrey McIntyre, Fredericksburg, Texas; one granddaughter, Jennifer LeGrand (Kevin), St. Louis, Mo; and great-grandsons Matthew, Pevely, Missouri, and Logan, Noah, Samuel, Elijah and Gabriel, St. Louis, Missouri. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. today at the Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. Services will be 1:30 P.M. Thursday, November 12, 2009 at the Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home with Rev. Bob Jacobs officiating. Interment will be at the Mountain View Cemetery. A memorial has been established to the Black Hills Sheltered Workshop. Friends may sign the online guest register at www.osheimschmidt.com.