How to Publish an Obituary: Step‑by‑Step Guide

Submitting a notice for a loved one can feel overwhelming, but breaking the process into clear steps helps. First, decide how you want to send the information: via email, a self‑service online portal, or by phone. If you choose email, attach the required details from an obituary checklist to obits@pioneerpress. com. The portal offers a guided experience, and the phone line at 651‑228‑5263 is available for questions. Gather the basic data: your full name, address with city and state, primary phone number, and an alternate contact if you have one. For the obituary itself, provide the deceased’s name, a short text narrative, and preferably a photo in JPEG or PDF format. Other image types are accepted; the office will notify you if there’s an issue. Decide on the publication dates. A single day starts at a minimum charge of $162 for up to 12 lines; each additional line costs $12. If the piece exceeds 40 lines, a 7. 5% discount per line applies. Running the notice on two separate days gives a 20% discount on both placements, and placing three notices can make the third free. Photos cost $125 each day, so two photos over two days equals four photo charges at $500.Verification of death is mandatory. Provide either a funeral home or cremation society phone number, or a death certificate. If the body was donated to an anatomy program, that organization’s contact number is needed. Weekend hours are limited, so plan ahead to avoid delays. Once you’ve completed the submission, a proof will be sent by fax or email. Review it carefully for errors before the final deadline; any changes after approval will not be corrected by the office. For online obituaries, adjustments can still be made through the desk. Payments must come before publication. The office accepts credit card payments by phone only, due to PCI regulations, and electronic funds transfer (EFT) requires routing and account numbers. Call the same number used for inquiries after you’ve approved the proof. If you prefer a memorial instead of an obituary—a remembrance notice without the death confirmation—contact the office for different rates and guidelines. Remember, all deadlines are strict; missing a deadline means your notice won’t appear on the requested date.