Placing an obituary in the Pioneer Press to commemorate a loved one is a straightforward process when you understand the necessary steps. As part of our Pioneer Press Subscriber Services, we offer a dedicated obituary desk to assist you with this important announcement. While online submission isn’t available, our team is ready to guide you through email and phone processes. This guide outlines everything you need to know to place an obituary seamlessly.
Essential Information for Obituary Submission
To begin the process of placing an obituary, please compile the following general details. This information is crucial for our pioneer press subscriber services to process your request efficiently.
- Your Full Name: We need your complete name for contact purposes.
- Address: Please provide your city, state, and zip code.
- Phone Number: A primary phone number for communication.
- Alternate Phone Number: Optional, but helpful for ensuring we can reach you.
Obituary Specifications: Preparing Your Announcement
Providing detailed specifications ensures your obituary accurately reflects your wishes. Consider the following points when preparing your submission for pioneer press subscriber services:
- Deceased’s Full Name: The name of the person being memorialized.
- Obituary Text: The written content of the obituary itself.
- Photo (Optional): A JPEG or PDF photo is preferred, but TIF and other formats are accepted. We will contact you if any photo issues arise.
- Desired Run Dates: Specify the dates you wish the obituary to be published. Note that discounts apply for multiple-day runs scheduled on the first run date. Photo discounts also require the photo to run on all days. Contact us for detailed pricing information related to these pioneer press subscriber services.
Pioneer Press Obituary Policies: Ensuring Accuracy and Respect
Our pioneer press subscriber services adhere to specific policies to maintain the integrity and accuracy of obituary announcements.
Verification of Death
To publish an obituary, verification of death is mandatory. We require the name and phone number of the funeral home or cremation society handling arrangements. Our obituary desk will contact them during business hours to confirm the passing. Alternatively, if the deceased donated their body to a program like the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program, their contact number is also acceptable for verification. A death certificate can also serve as verification. Please ensure sufficient time for verification, especially during weekend hours.
Guidelines on Guestbooks and External Websites
Pioneer Press subscriber services for obituaries do not permit references to external guestbooks or obituaries published elsewhere. However, we can include a funeral home website or a family email address for contact within the obituary. Contact us if you have questions about this policy.
The Obituary Placement Process: Step-by-Step
Our streamlined process within pioneer press subscriber services ensures your obituary is handled with care:
- Submission: Email your completed obituary information to [email protected].
- Proof Review: We will send a proof via fax or email for your review before publication. This proof includes the obituary text, scheduled publication dates, and the total price.
- Careful Review: Thoroughly check the proof for any errors. Notify us of corrections or changes before the stated daily deadlines.
- Post-Publication: We are not responsible for errors after final proof approval and publication.
- Online Amendments: For online obituary changes after publication, please contact our obituary desk directly by phone.
Payment and Rates for Obituary Services
Pre-payment is required for all obituary notices before publication, adhering to our deadline schedule. Payment details are a key part of our pioneer press subscriber services.
Payment Methods
- Credit Card: Accepted by phone only for security reasons.
- EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer): Check by phone using your routing and account numbers.
- Cash: Accepted at our front counter, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM.
Rate Structure
Understanding the rates is essential for utilizing our pioneer press subscriber services:
- Minimum Charge: $162 for the first 10 lines.
- Cost Per Additional Line: $12.20 for each line beyond the initial 10. Obituaries under 10 lines are still charged the minimum rate.
- Second Run Date Line Rate: $8.20 per line, starting from the first line.
- Photo Charge: $125 per photo per day of publication. For example, two photos running for two days would incur four photo charges totaling $500.
Deadlines for Obituary Submissions
Adhering to deadlines is critical to ensure timely publication through pioneer press subscriber services.
| Hours | Deadline (No Exceptions) | Ad | Photos |
|---|---|---|---|
| MONDAY – FRIDAY 9:00AM – 5:00 PM | Next Day Publication | Content & payment by 4:30 PM same day; Changes by 5:00 PM | Photo(s) by 4:30 PM |
| SATURDAYS 10:00AM – 2:00PM | Sunday Publication | Content & payment by 1:30 PM same day; Changes by 2:00 PM | Photo(s) by 1:30 PM |
| SUNDAYS 12:00PM – 3:00PM | Monday Publication | Content, payment & final changes by 2:30 PM same day | Photo(s) by 2:30 PM |
Memoriam Requests: Remembering Beyond Obituaries
In addition to obituaries, pioneer press subscriber services also include Memoriam submissions. These are remembrances for loved ones who have passed, distinct from formal obituaries, and have different rates. For memoriam inquiries, please call 651-228-5280 or email [email protected]. Our hours for memoriam services are Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, closed on weekends and holidays.
For any questions regarding obituary placement or other pioneer press subscriber services, please contact our obituary desk at 651-228-5263. We are here to assist you through each step.
