Obituaries
Janice M. Christiansen
December 19, 1943 - March 31, 2023


- Memorial Service
- April 15, 2023 | 10:00 A.M.
-
Little Home Church by the Wayside
32W128 Army Trail Road
Wayne, IL 60184 -
Burial Location
Private
Janice M. Christiansen, 79 years old, passed peacefully at her home after a long and brave battle with glioblastoma on March 31, 2023. Janice was greatly loved by her family, her friends and her many business colleagues.
Janice was born December 19, 1943, Janice M. Jamrosz in Springfield, IL to Margaret Jamrosz (Campbell) and Sigmund F. Jamrosz. Janice was a graduate of Michigan State University with a major in History and a minor in English. She had a great love for Michigan State University and she was very proud to be an alumni of a great university. She married John T. Christiansen in 1968 and they had 2 sons – Spencer Lynn and Jon Michael. Sadly, her beloved husband John passed unexpectedly in 1985 and 2 years later, Janice had to take over the family business, FlagSource. Janice was faced many challenges when she joined the business but she vowed to build FlagSource back to it’s glory and live up to her husband’s legacy. Within 5 years, Janice had rebuilt the business and FlagSource was thriving. She managed to achieve this great feat while still raising her two boys. As she propelled the business forward, she installed the largest embroidery machine in her factory to embroider the starfields for the U.S. flag. FlagSource’s U.S. flags are 100% made in the U.S.A. of American derived materials and labor. In 2010 Janice was named the first chairwoman of the Illinois Manufacture’s Association. She relished this position and connected with many different business and manufacturing associations to move Illinois forward in manufacturing.
While Janice loved her business in making flags, she loved her family more. Hosting Christmas was one of her favorite families activities and Christmas at her house was always a big and colorful event in true Janice style.
Janice had a great passion for traveling and exploring the world. She was one of the top 100 most traveled women in the world. Visiting such far-reaching destinations as Nepal, East Africa and Bora Bora. She made many of these journeys with her dear partner in life, Bob Bonifas. Together they enjoyed many adventures, including a journey to Antarctica that left them stranded in a port at South Georgia Island for nearly two weeks. But true to Janice form, she remained positive and upbeat about the whole situation.
Janice is survived by her son Spencer (Jennifer and son Spencer Jr.) and her son Jon Michael (Maria and sons Nathan and Lucas), her brother Michael Jamrosz, nephews Jeffrey (Jessica) and Joseph (Christine), her brother in law William Christiansen and many beloved nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her beloved dear partner Robert Bonifas who has been her faithful and loving partner for nearly 20 years. Together they traveled the world, met heads of state and enjoyed a tremendous life together. Our family is grateful to the Bonifas family for all of their love and support over many years.
Janice, you are gone but not forgotten. You are in our hearts forever.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 15th at the Little Home Church by the Wayside Army Trail Road in Wayne, IL at 10 AM.
December 19, 1943 – March 31, 2023
Condolences
Peter Drab from Mokena, IL
"Our heartfelt prayers and condolences to your family. Janice was always a pleasure to be around. Her high energy approach to life was something I always admired. She will be missed by all of us. God bless."
Tom and Diana Powell from Powers Lake, WI
"Janice was a great lady who we loved being out with on the boat and the many dinners All the best to her family"
Kathie Lombardo from Bergenfield , NJ
"My sincere condolences to the Christensen family. Janice was full of life and I can honestly say I am so happy to have met her. Janice was a classy warm and loving women. Janice rest in peace I will forever remember our joke EVOO!"
Julie Webber, TMA from Herndon, VA
"I am deeply sorry for your loss. Please accept my sincerest condolences during this difficult time. Losing someone we love is never easy, and I can only imagine the pain and sadness you must be feeling right now. She was a true warrior during her cancer treatments and now she is at rest. I enjoyed meeting Janice at past TMA Annual Meetings and know that she leaves behind a huge void in your hearts. She will be so missed."
Mary Breier from Lombard, IL
"May God bless you all as you go through this difficult time. Sending you lots of hugs and prayers 🙏🏻."
Celia T. Besore from Vienna, VA
"I am so sorry to hear about Janice passing. I remembers her fondly from her TMA/CSAA Annual Meeting. She had a special spark! May she rest in Peace. My condolences."
Bud Wulforst from Indian Wells, CA
"It was my pleasure to know and travel with Janice. Always had a smile and a laugh. A great lady, we will miss her."
Dien Bryner from Saint Charles, IL
"Despite only knowing Janice for a short period of time, I could tell that she had many world miles in her and a fabulous fashion sense. She's like Coco, classic, and will always be in style. You will be missed, Janice. Sending love and encouragement to Spencer, Jennifer, and Spencer Jr. X, Bryner family."
Thomas D'Amico from Butler, WI
"Terrific picture of Janice. That's the way I will remember her, always smiling and a pleasure to be around."
Britta McKenna from Batavia, IL
"Such a profound loss for her family and the Batavia business community. Janice was a leader in so many ways, stepping up for her family, friends, business, and community. She shall be missed by many and remembered each time I put out my flag."
William Hickey from Fernandina Beach, FL
"Janice was a special person who excelled in all the varied parts of her life. Family,business,civic engagement and personal growth. Having the opportunity to work with her at the IMA was really a great educational experience for me. She was always full of spunk. She had a life well lived. God Bless, Bill Hickey"
Rick Henne from Columbus, OH
"Our prayers and condolences from all at Admiral Flag Poles in Columbus, OH Rest easy Janice until we all meet again in Paradise."
the dixons from ATLANTIC BEACH , NC
"Janice was a great help when we started our flag business and would always help with the tricky problems. We will miss her and her caring attitude. The Dixons of Atlantic Beach"
Dan and Lisa Pitcher from Wimberley, TX
"We did not get a chance to meet Janice, however she sounded like an amazing person and brought a great amount of joy to her family and everyone who knew her. Our condolences prayers to the Christiansen family."
The Flag & Sign Place from Broomall, PA
"Our sincere condolences to Janice's family and the entire FlagSource family. I will remember her enthusiasm for the flag business and excitement (and some frustration) over the website.The Flag & Sign Place/Flag Products Inc"
Scott Somers from Dallas, TX
"Spencer, I am so very sorry to hear about your mother's passing. I greatly enjoyed our conversations at the NIFDA conventions. I had great respect and admiration for her, her accomplishments and her values. I remember when she told me about the frozen boat episode. Such a positive person. My prayers are with her and your family."
Gene Tomczak from Denver, CO
"Janice helped me get started in the flag business. She and her staff were very helpful. We were Kelly High School Alumni."
Cedar Valley Flagpole from Waterloo, IA
"My deepest condolences to the Christensen Family. God bless your family. She gives inspiration to all of us women to shoot for our dreams. You are in our thoughts and prayersLori"
David Carlson from East Chicago, IN
""Spencer............ my best prayers and wishes for you and all... relatives, business associates, and business employees.... everyone that was touched by your mother. god speed."
HI-TEX Flags and Advertising from San Antonio, TX
"Our staff at HI-TEX Flags and Advertising is so sorry to hear about the passing of Janice. What an extraordinary woman! FlagSource is an exemplary company, with strong values and a commitment to excellence. We know this is a tremendous loss for the Christensen family, and also for the employees at FlagSource. We extend our condolences and prayers to all. We are confident the legacy she created will continue and grow through Spencer and his team."
Oregon Flag and Pole from Central Point , OR
"Due to her highest standards of manufacturing, Janice was committed to, we have always used FlagSource as the premiere source for the finest quality our customers have come to expect. Though hard time has affected all of us, her commitment to excellence is a testament of a edering strength that has proved to be the hallmark what we as patriots value most in our hearts when flying our pride "MADE IN AMERICA""
RON & KATHERINE LAFONTAINE from LIGHTHOUSE POINT, KS
"KATHERINE AND I ARE SO SADDENED TO HEAR OF BOB'S, JANICE' FAMILY, FRIENDS AND COLEAGUES LOSS OF JANICE. SHE WAS A FIRST CLASS LADY. SHE WAS LOVED BY ALL AND BECAME A FRIEND TO ALL US. WE TOO WILL MISS HER EVER FRIENDLY SMILE AND BANTER. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH BOBAND THE FAMILY. SINCERELY,RON LAFONTAINE"
Al Cavalari The Flag Guys from New Windsor, NY
"I am moved by the beautiful photos of Janice in various poses with the American flag. She was a very photogenic person. I am smiling at the time when I was fairly new in business and she traveled to see such a tiny flag dealer 60 miles north of Manhattan. Her world travels were not known to me and I enjoy reading about them. Good for her! Sorry for the loss of your Mom and business mentor"
Stacy - Flags Plus, Inc. from Royal Palm Beach, FL
"Our deepest condolences to the Christensen Family and Flagsource team. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Spencer, I met your beautiful Mother Janice at NIFDA and will never forget her she was such a lovely lady."
Mary Jane silvestri from St. Charles, IL
"Good by for now dear Janet will always remember our Snowflake ski trips, 6 of us what fun memories. Not to mention our Snowflake parties at home. Remembering happy times is the best part of having to say good by."