Janice Gosnell Franzen, age 92, a resident of Carol Stream, IL, died peacefully on Apr. 3, 2014, in Winfield.  She was born Sept. 24, 1921 in Onalaska, WI.

She was a retired Editor of then Wheaton-based Christian Life Publications Inc. (Christian Life Magazine, Christian Bookseller Magazine, Creation House Books), Since 1999 Windsor Park, in Carol Stream was her home.  She gave generously to benefit the Windsor community and participated in numerous organizations which included being president of the resident council.

Franzen began her career as Director of the Christian Writers Institute, a correspondence school which, during her tenure, graduated more than 10,000 students. She also served as a teacher and lecturer with the Institute. Later, Franzen served as Fiction Editor of Christian Life, then Associate Editor before accepting the position of Executive Editor.

While on staff, Franzen authored a number of books for writers, which included "The Adventure of Interviewing". After retiring, Franzen continued to write and was working on self-publishing her book, "Be an Angel?", about her childhood in Onalaska, Wisconsin. She passed just a week before it's publication.  It will be available in April, 2014. She has been listed in the Marquis "Who's Who in America" and Who's Who of American Women" since 1972.

Franzen received her bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin at LaCrosse and her Master's Degree from the Northern Baptist Theological Seminary. She was the daughter of the late Wray Towson Gosnell and Anna Renstrom Gosnell.

During her career, Franzen interviewed many notables for her monthly "All in a Woman's Day" column and/or for feature articles (some appearing as cover stories): Phyllis Schlafly, conservative activist; Lynda Carter, star of "Wonder Woman"; the late Catherine Marshall, author; musicians Pelle and Evie Karlsson (which story was reprinted in Sweden); Robert Schuller, TV pastor; and June Carter (Mrs. Johnny) Cash.

Franzen also served on various Boards: Christian Life Missions, The Ralph O. Franzen Charitable Foundation, The Wesley Luehring Foundation and also the Janice G Franzen Endowed Scholarship Fund at Wheaton College.

She married the late Ralph O. Franzen, DuPage philanthropist, in 1964. She is survived by numerous cousins, several of whom also are residents of Windsor Park in Carol Stream, IL.  Preceded in death by her father Wray Gosnell, her mother Anna Renstrom Gosnell, her sister Anita Thompson and niece Susan Thompson. She was loved and admired by many family and friends.

A visitation will be held Fri., Apr. 11, from 4-8 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187. A private graveside burial service will be held at Mt. Emblem Cemetery in Elmhurst at 11:00 A.M.  A memorial service will be held Sat., Apr. 12, 2014 at 2PM at Windsor Park Manor followed by a social reception.

Memorial gifts may be directed to the Janice Gosnell Franzen Endowed Scholarship Fund - Wheaton College – 501 College Avenue, Wheaton, Illinois 60187.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.