Navigating the loss of a loved one is a challenging time, and handling obituary arrangements can feel overwhelming. The Pioneer Press serves the greater St. Paul, Minnesota area, and understanding how to access Pioneer Press Obituary Archives as well as how to place a new obituary is essential. This guide provides comprehensive information for accessing past obituary records and for submitting new notices to the Pioneer Press.
Accessing Pioneer Press Obituary Archives
While the Pioneer Press itself may have archives, often historical obituaries are accessible through online databases and services that partner with newspapers. Websites like Legacy.com frequently host obituary archives for numerous publications, potentially including the Pioneer Press.
To search for Pioneer Press obituary archives, consider these steps:
- Online Search: Begin with a targeted online search using phrases like “Pioneer Press obituary archives“, “Pioneer Press obituaries online“, or “Pioneer Press death notices archives“. This will help you identify any official or partner websites hosting these archives.
- Legacy.com and Similar Sites: Visit websites known for hosting obituary collections, such as Legacy.com. Search their databases specifically for “Pioneer Press” obituaries. These sites often have search filters to narrow down results by name, date range, and keywords.
- Newspaper Archives (Libraries and Historical Societies): Local libraries and historical societies in the St. Paul area may have physical or digital archives of the Pioneer Press. Check with institutions like the Minnesota Historical Society or the St. Paul Public Library for resources related to Pioneer Press obituary archives.
- Contact Pioneer Press Directly: While their primary online instructions focus on placing new obituaries, you can contact the Pioneer Press directly. Inquire about their obituary archive access and if they can guide you to relevant resources. The contact information for their obituary desk is provided below for new obituary placements, and they may be able to assist with archive inquiries as well.
Finding information within Pioneer Press obituary archives can be a valuable part of genealogical research or simply remembering loved ones.
Submitting an Obituary to Pioneer Press
If you need to place a new obituary in the Pioneer Press, the process is primarily handled via email and phone. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on the Pioneer Press’s guidelines:
Required General Information
When submitting an obituary, ensure you include the following personal details in your email:
- Your Full Name:
- Address: (City, State, Zip Code)
- Phone Number:
- Alternate Phone Number: (Optional)
Obituary Specifications
Prepare the following obituary details for your submission:
- Name of Deceased: Exactly as it should appear in the obituary.
- Obituary Text: Compose the complete text of the obituary. Be sure to proofread carefully before submitting.
- Photo (Optional but Recommended): A photograph can personalize the obituary. Submit photos in JPEG or PDF format if possible. TIF and other file types are also accepted, but you might be contacted if there are issues.
- Ad Run Dates: Specify the dates you want the obituary to be published. Running the obituary for more than one day may qualify for a discount, which must be scheduled on the first run date. If a photo is used, it must run on all days to qualify for a photo discount. Contact the obituary desk for detailed pricing and discount information.
Verification Policies
The Pioneer Press has specific verification policies to ensure the authenticity of obituary submissions:
- Funeral Home/Cremation Society Verification: You must provide the name and phone number of the funeral home or cremation society handling the arrangements. The Pioneer Press will contact them during business hours to verify the death.
- University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program: If the deceased donated their body to the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program or a similar program, provide their phone number for verification.
- Death Certificate: Alternatively, a death certificate is also acceptable for death verification. Only one of these verification methods is required.
- Guestbook and External Website Policies: The Pioneer Press does not allow references to external guestbooks or obituaries placed on other media sources within their print and online obituaries. You can include a funeral home website or a family email address for contact if desired. Contact the obituary desk for clarification on this policy.
The Obituary Submission Process
Follow these steps to submit your obituary:
- Email Your Submission: Compile all the required information and obituary details and email them to [email protected].
- Proof Review: Once your submission is processed, the Pioneer Press will fax or email a proof for your review. This proof will include the obituary text, photo (if submitted), scheduled run dates, and the total price.
- Carefully Review the Proof: Thoroughly check the proof for any errors or necessary changes. Notify the Pioneer Press of any corrections before the publication deadline for your chosen run date. The Pioneer Press is not responsible for errors after final proof approval and publication.
- Payment: Pre-payment is required for all obituary notices before publication. Payment must be made after you receive and approve the proof and before the specified deadline.
Online Obituary Changes
Changes to an online obituary after it has been published can be made by contacting the obituary desk directly by phone.
Payment Procedures and Rates
Pre-payment is mandatory. You can make payments via:
- Credit Card: Accepted by phone only for security reasons. Call 651-228-5263 to provide your credit card information.
- EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) / Check by Phone: Provide your routing number and account number when you call.
- Cash: Accepted in person at the Pioneer Press front counter, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM.
Obituary Rates:
- Minimum Charge: $162 for the first 10 lines.
- Cost Per Line (After 10 Lines): $12.20 per line.
- Obituaries Under 10 Lines: Still charged the minimum rate of $162.
- Second Run Date Line Rate: $8.20 per line (starting with the first line).
- Photo Charge: $125 per photo per day of publication.
Rate Example: A 20-line obituary running for one day would cost $162 for the first 10 lines + (10 lines * $12.20) = $162 + $122 = $284.
Deadlines for Obituary Submission
Adhere to the following deadlines to ensure timely publication:
| Hours | Deadline (No Exceptions) | Obituary Content & Payment | Photos |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Next Day Publication | Same day by 4:30 PM (Changes by 5:00 PM) | Same day by 4:30 PM |
| Saturdays 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Sunday Publication | Same day by 1:30 PM (Changes by 2:00 PM) | Same day by 1:30 PM |
| Sundays 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Monday Publication | Same day by 2:30 PM (Content, Payment, & Final Changes) | Same day by 2:30 PM |
Memoriam (Non-Obituary) Requests
To publish a memoriam, which is a remembrance of a loved one rather than a formal obituary, note that the rates are different. Contact the Pioneer Press for memoriam rates and information by calling 651-228-5280 or emailing [email protected].
Memoriam Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed Weekends and Holidays).
Conclusion
Whether you are seeking information from Pioneer Press obituary archives or need to place a new obituary, understanding the processes and guidelines is crucial. For new obituaries, ensure you follow the submission steps, deadlines, and payment procedures outlined by the Pioneer Press. For archive searches, utilize online resources and consider contacting local libraries or the Pioneer Press directly for assistance in accessing historical records. For any further questions or clarifications, contact the Pioneer Press obituary desk at 651-228-5263.
