Placing an obituary in the Saint Paul Pioneer Press to commemorate a loved one is a straightforward process designed to honor their memory respectfully. This guide provides all the necessary information for submitting an obituary, ensuring a seamless experience during a difficult time. The Pioneer Press obituary section serves as a community space to announce and remember those who have passed, and understanding the process is the first step in creating a meaningful tribute.
Placing an Obituary: Essential Information
To begin the process of publishing an obituary, you will need to compile specific details for submission. The Saint Paul Pioneer Press requires two categories of information: general contact details and obituary specifications.
Contact Information
For administrative purposes, ensure you include the following personal information in your submission:
- Your Full Name: This is necessary for communication and confirmation.
- Address: Include your City, State, and Zip Code for record-keeping.
- Phone Number: A primary phone number for contact.
- Alternate Phone Number: Providing a secondary phone number is helpful for ensuring communication.
Obituary Specifications
The core of your submission is the obituary itself. Please prepare the following details about the deceased:
- Name of Deceased: The full name of the person being memorialized.
- Obituary Text: Compose the text of the obituary as you wish it to appear.
- Photo (Optional): A photograph of the deceased can be included. JPEG or PDF files are preferred, but other formats like TIF are also accepted. If there are issues with the photo, the obituary desk will contact you.
- Ad Run Dates: Specify the dates you wish the obituary to be published. Running the obituary for more than one day qualifies for a discount, which must be scheduled on the first run date. If a photo is used, it must be included on all run dates to qualify for the discount. Contact the obituary desk for detailed pricing information on multiple-day runs and photo inclusions.
Key Policies and Guidelines for Obituaries
The Saint Paul Pioneer Press has established policies to ensure the integrity and accuracy of published obituaries. Understanding these policies is crucial for a smooth submission process.
Verification of Death
To maintain the authenticity of obituary announcements, 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. If the deceased’s body was donated to the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program or a similar program, their contact information is required for verification. It’s important to allow sufficient time for verification, especially during weekend hours when funeral homes may have limited availability. Alternatively, a death certificate is also accepted as verification, but only one of these verification methods is necessary.
Guestbooks and External Links
To maintain focus on the obituary itself, the Saint Paul Pioneer Press does not allow references to external media sources that host guestbooks or obituaries placed elsewhere. However, you can include a funeral home website or a family email address for contact within the obituary text. If you have questions regarding this policy, it is best to contact the obituary desk directly for clarification.
The Obituary Submission Process
Submitting your obituary is a multi-step process designed for accuracy and your approval.
Proofing and Review
Once you have submitted all the required information, the Saint Paul Pioneer Press obituary desk will prepare a proof of the obituary. This proof, which will be sent to you via fax or email, will include the obituary text, the scheduled publication dates, and the total cost. Review this proof very carefully. It is your responsibility to check for any errors or necessary changes before the obituary is published. Notify the Pioneer Press of any corrections or modifications before the daily deadline. Please note that the Saint Paul Pioneer Press is not responsible for errors after the final proof has been approved and the obituary is published.
Online Changes
Modifications to an obituary that is already published online can be made by contacting the obituary desk directly. For any online changes, it is best to call them to ensure immediate attention to your request.
Payment and Costs for Obituaries
Pre-payment is required for all obituary notices before they are published. Payment must be made by the specified deadline, which is outlined in the deadline schedule below. Payment information should be provided after you have received and approved the obituary proof.
Payment Methods
The Saint Paul Pioneer Press offers several payment options for your convenience:
- Credit Card: Credit card payments are accepted over the phone only due to Payment Card Industry (PCI) regulations.
- EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer): Payment can be made via check by phone. You will need to provide your routing number and account number.
- Cash: Cash payments are accepted at the Pioneer Press front counter, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
Rate Structure
Understanding the rate structure helps in budgeting for the obituary placement:
- Minimum Charge: The minimum charge for an obituary is $162 for the first 10 lines.
- Cost Per Line: For obituaries exceeding 10 lines, each additional line is charged at $12.20. Even if the obituary is less than 10 lines, the minimum charge of $162 applies.
- Second Run Date Discount: For obituaries running for a second day, the rate is reduced to $8.20 per line, starting from the first line. For example, a 20-line obituary on the first day would cost $164.
- Photo Charge: Each photo published incurs a charge of $125 per day. For instance, publishing two photos for two days would result in four photo charges, totaling $500.
Deadlines for Submission
Adhering to the deadlines is crucial to ensure your obituary is published on your desired date. The deadlines are strict and without exceptions.
| Hours | Deadline (no exceptions) | Ad | Photos |
|---|---|---|---|
| MONDAY – FRIDAY 9:00AM – 5:00 PM | Next Day Publication | Must receive obituary content and payment same day by 4:30PM. Make changes by 5:00PM | Must receive photo(s) by 4:30PM |
| SATURDAYS 10:00AM – 2:00PM | Sunday Publication | Must receive obituary content and payment same day by 1:30PM. Make changes by 2:00PM | Must receive photo(s) by 1:30PM |
| SUNDAYS 12:00PM – 3:00PM | Monday Publication | Must receive obituary content, payment, and final changes same day by 2:30PM | Must receive photo(s) by 2:30PM |
Memoriam Notices
In addition to obituaries, the Saint Paul Pioneer Press also offers Memoriam notices. These submissions are remembrances of loved ones who have passed and are distinct from obituaries. The rates and submission process for memoriam notices are different. For more information on memoriam notices, including rates and how to submit, please call 651-228-5280 or email [email protected]. The memoriam desk is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and is closed on weekends and holidays.
By following this guide, placing an obituary in the Saint Paul Pioneer Press will be a well-informed and respectful process. For any further assistance or specific queries, do not hesitate to contact the Pioneer Press obituary desk at 651-228-5263.
