Submitting an obituary to the Pioneer Press requires careful attention to detail. This guide provides a step-by-step process to ensure your notice is placed accurately and efficiently with Paul Pioneer Press. Please review the following information to prepare your submission.
General Information Required for Obituary Submission
To begin the obituary placement process, you will need to provide the following general information:
- Your Full Name
- Address (City, State, Zip Code)
- Phone Number
- Alternate Phone Number (Optional)
This contact information is essential for the Pioneer Press obituary desk to communicate with you throughout the submission and proofing stages.
Obituary Specifications Checklist for Pioneer Press
When preparing your obituary for submission to the Pioneer Press, ensure you have the following details ready:
- Name of Deceased: The full name of the person who has passed away.
- Obituary Text: The complete text of the obituary you wish to publish.
- Photo (Optional): A photograph of the deceased. JPEG or PDF files are preferred, but TIF and other formats are also accepted. The Pioneer Press will contact you if there are any issues with your submitted photo.
- Preferred Run Dates: Indicate the dates you would like the obituary to be published.
- Multi-Day Run Discount: Discounts are available for obituaries running for more than one day. To apply, the multi-day schedule must be set on the first run date. If you include a photo, it must also run on all scheduled days to qualify for the discount. Contact the obituary desk for detailed discount information.
Pioneer Press Obituary Policies: Verification and Guidelines
Adhering to the Pioneer Press policies is crucial for a smooth obituary placement process. Take note of the following:
Verification of Death
To maintain accuracy and prevent errors, the Pioneer Press requires verification of death. You must provide the name and phone number of the funeral home or cremation society handling the arrangements. The Pioneer Press obituary desk will contact them during business hours to verify the passing.
Alternatively, if the deceased’s body has been donated to the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program, or a similar program, their phone number will be required for verification purposes.
Please allow sufficient time for verification, especially during weekends when funeral home hours may be limited.
While a death certificate is also acceptable as verification, only one of these two verification methods is necessary.
Guestbook and External Website Policies
When placing an obituary with the Pioneer Press, references to external media sources that host guestbooks or obituaries are not permitted in the print and online versions. However, you may include the website address for the funeral home or a family email address for contact. Contact the obituary desk if you have any questions regarding this policy.
Pioneer Press Obituary Submission Process
Once you have compiled all the necessary information, the submission process is straightforward:
- Email Submission: Send your obituary information, including the checklist details, to [email protected]. Currently, online submissions through the website are not available.
- Proof Review: After submission, the Pioneer Press obituary desk will send you a proof via fax or email for your review before publication. This proof will include the obituary text, scheduled publication dates, and the total cost.
- Careful Review is Essential: Thoroughly review the proof for any errors or necessary changes. Notify the Pioneer Press of any corrections before the publication deadline for each scheduled day.
- Post-Publication Responsibility: The Pioneer Press is not responsible for errors identified after the final proof has been approved and the obituary has been published.
For any changes to an online obituary after publication, please contact the obituary desk directly for assistance.
Payment Procedures for Pioneer Press Obituaries
Pre-payment is mandatory for all obituary notices before they are published. Payment must be completed by the specified deadline in the deadline schedule. After you receive and approve the proof, call 651-228-5263 with your payment information.
The Pioneer Press accepts the following payment methods:
- Credit Card: Payments are accepted over the phone only due to Payment Card Industry (PCI) regulations.
- EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) – Check by Phone: Provide your bank routing number and account number for payment via phone.
- Cash: Cash payments are accepted at the Pioneer Press FRONT COUNTER, Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
Pioneer Press Obituary Rates and Charges
Understanding the rate structure is important for budgeting your obituary placement:
- Minimum Charge: The minimum charge for an obituary is $162 for the first 10 lines.
- Cost Per Line (After 10 Lines): Each line after the initial 10 lines is charged at $12.20 per line.
- Minimum Rate: Even if the obituary is less than 10 lines, the minimum charge of $162 applies.
- Second Run Date Rate: For obituaries running on a second day, the line rate is $8.20 per line, starting from the first line. For example, a 20-line obituary running for the first day would cost $164.
- Photo Charges: Each photo published is an additional $125 per day. For instance, publishing two photos for two days would incur four photo charges, totaling $500.
Pioneer Press Obituary Deadlines
Meeting the deadlines is crucial to ensure your obituary is published on your desired date. Note the following deadlines, which are strictly enforced:
| Hours | Deadline (No Exceptions) | Ad | Photos |
|---|---|---|---|
| MONDAY – FRIDAY 9:00AM – 5:00 PM | Next Day Publication | Obituary content and payment must be received on the same day by 4:30 PM. Changes can be made until 5:00 PM. | Photo(s) must be received by 4:30 PM. |
| SATURDAYS 10:00AM – 2:00PM | Sunday Publication | Obituary content and payment must be received on the same day by 1:30 PM. Changes can be made until 2:00 PM. | Photo(s) must be received by 1:30 PM. |
| SUNDAYS 12:00PM – 3:00PM | Monday Publication | Obituary content, payment, and final changes must be received on the same day by 2:30 PM. | Photo(s) must be received by 2:30 PM. |
Memoriam Submissions (Non-Obituary)
In addition to obituaries, the Pioneer Press also publishes Memoriam submissions. These are remembrances for loved ones who have passed, distinct from formal obituaries. Rates for Memoriam submissions differ from obituary rates.
For more information regarding Memoriam submissions, please contact the Pioneer Press directly by calling 651-228-5280 or emailing [email protected].
Memoriam Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (CLOSED WEEKENDS and HOLIDAYS).
For any further assistance with placing an obituary or memoriam with Paul Pioneer Press, please do not hesitate to contact their dedicated obituary desk during their operating hours.
