Lenora K. Mosset

Lenora K. (Bonagofski) Mosset, 83, Selfridge, died suddenly on September 8, 2026, as the result of a traffic accident.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 PM on Monday, September 14, 2026, at St. Philomena Catholic Church in Selfridge, with Fr. Chad Gion as celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Philomena Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 12 noon to 1:30 PM on Sunday, September 13, at Weigel Funeral Home in Mandan, with a Prayer Service beginning at 1:30 PM. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

Lenora was born on August 22, 1943, at her aunt’s home in Selfridge, ND, to Anton “Tony” and Katherine “Katie” (Wuitschick) Bonagofski. She was baptized that same day. Lenora completed her early years of education in Centralia, Washington. She was the eldest daughter in a family of 17 children.

Lenora learned the value of hard work at a young age. Over the years, she held many jobs, including stacking and chopping wood for neighbors, mowing lawns with old reel mowers, picking strawberries for hours each day, caring for an elderly couple, and babysitting three children for a nurse six hours a day. She worked as a dishwasher at St. Luke’s Nursing Home, waited tables at Vi’s Café in McLaughlin, SD, and helped operate her parents’ business, Bonagofski Café, in Selfridge. There, she ran the grill, made ice cream malts, sold cigarettes, pop, and candy, and fixed the jukebox whenever it stopped working. She also worked as a waitress at Ohm’s Café in Mandan.

In 1961, while working at the family café, Lenora met Willy Mosset at the Selfridge Lumberyard while her parents were building their home west of town. Willy and Lenora were married on a very hot day, October 9, 1965, at St. Philomena Catholic Church in Selfridge. They were blessed with four children. While raising their family, Willy and Lenora farmed and ranched. Through the years, they milked cows, raised sheep, ducks, horses, pigs, rabbits, and dogs; and tended a large garden.

From 1970 to 1975, Willy and Lenora owned and operated the Surge Store in Selfridge, where they sold Surge milking products, ice cream, cheese, meat, and milk.

Lenora was active in her community and church. She served as president of the Sioux County Homemakers and as treasurer of the St. Philomena Altar Society. She worked at the Selfridge Cheese Plant for 14 years as a sales representative and office manager. During that time, she also worked as a Postmaster Relief at the Selfridge Post Office. Lenora later became the Selfridge Postmaster and worked for the United States Postal Service for a total of 33 years.

Following retirement, Lenora and Willy moved to the farm, where she helped manage the everyday duties of farm life.

Lenora enjoyed the color purple, dancing, music, playing Solitaire, working crossword puzzles, and decorating her home and church. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family.

A woman of strong faith, Lenora was devoted to St. Philomena Catholic Church. She faithfully prayed the rosary, helped prepare the church for Mass, assisted with seasonal decorating, and helped maintain the church facility.

Most of all, Lenora treasured her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved being part of their activities, celebrations, and special moments.

Lenora is survived by Willy Mosset, her husband of 60 years; her children, Karen (Clay Schaeffer) of McLaughlin, SD, Brian (Stacey) Mosset of Spokane, WA, Robert (Shaunda) Mosset of Mandan, ND, and Deb Mosset (Jeff Hansen) of Brandon, SD; 15 grandchildren, John (Ashlee) Schaeffer, Rebecca (Jared) Higgins, Mark Schaeffer, Matthew Schaeffer, Dylan Mosset, Tyler Mosset, Cassidy Mosset, Ashley Mosset, Preston Mosset, Weston Hunte, Carson Hunte, Kaylee Weasel, Tatum Weasel, Jaxson Johner, and Kamilla Hansen; six great-grandchildren, Haylee, Luke, and Zoey Schaeffer and Janet, Anna, and Grace Higgins; and her 15 siblings.

Lenora was preceded in death by her parents, Tony and Katie Bonagofski; her parents-in-law, Stanley and Helen Mosset; her brother, Frank Bonagofski; and her daughter-in-law, Deborah Lynn Mosset.