Submitting an obituary to the St. Paul Pioneer Press to commemorate a loved one’s life is a straightforward process. This guide provides all the necessary information for placing an obituary, ensuring a respectful and accurate tribute in a timely manner. For those wishing to publish an obituary in the St. Paul Pioneer Press, understanding the submission guidelines, policies, and deadlines is crucial.
Submitting Your Obituary – A Step-by-Step Guide
Placing an obituary involves gathering specific details and adhering to the Pioneer Press’s guidelines. Here’s a detailed breakdown to assist you:
Gathering General Information
To begin the obituary placement process, you will need to compile some essential contact details. This information is necessary for the Pioneer Press to manage your submission and communicate with you effectively. Please ensure you have the following ready:
- Your Full Name
- Address: Including City, State, and Zip Code
- Phone Number: A primary contact number
- Alternate Phone Number: Optional, but recommended for contingency
Preparing Obituary Specifications
The core of your submission is the obituary itself. Careful preparation of the obituary content and accompanying media will streamline the process. Here’s what you need to prepare:
- Name of Deceased: The full name of the person being memorialized.
- Obituary Text: The written content of the obituary. Consider drafting this beforehand to ensure it captures all important details and sentiments.
- Photo (Optional but Recommended): A photograph of the deceased to accompany the obituary. JPEG or PDF files are preferred, but TIF and other formats are also accepted. Be prepared to address potential issues with photo files if contacted by the obituary desk.
- Ad Run Dates: Specify the dates you wish the obituary to be published. Note that discounts are available for multiple-day runs, which must be scheduled on the first run date. Photo usage must also be consistent across all run days to qualify for a discount. Contact the obituary desk for detailed discount information.
Understanding Policies and Verification
The St. Paul Pioneer Press has specific policies in place to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of obituaries. A key policy is the verification of death.
- Verification of Death: To publish an obituary, the Pioneer Press requires verification of the deceased’s passing. This is typically done by providing 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 confirm the death. Alternatively, if the deceased’s body was donated to the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program or a similar program, their contact information can be provided for verification. A death certificate is also acceptable as proof of death, offering an alternative to funeral home verification. It’s important to allow sufficient time for verification, especially during weekend hours when funeral home hours may be limited.
- Guestbook and Outside Websites: The Pioneer Press does not permit references to external guestbooks or obituaries published on other platforms within their print and online obituaries. However, you can include a funeral home website or a family email address for contact purposes. Clarify any uncertainties regarding this policy with the obituary desk.
Navigating the Obituary Process
Once you have prepared your submission, understanding the process from submission to publication is essential.
- Obituary Process: After submitting your obituary, the Pioneer Press will send a proof for your review via fax or email before it is published in the newspaper. This proof will include the obituary text, scheduled publication dates, and the total price. Carefully review this proof for any errors or necessary changes. Notify the Pioneer Press of any corrections before the stated deadlines. The Pioneer Press is not responsible for errors identified after final proofing and subsequent publication.
Online Obituary Options
The Pioneer Press also provides online obituary services.
- Online: Changes to an online obituary after publication can be made by contacting the obituary desk directly. Call them with any amendments or questions.
Payment and Rates for Obituaries
Pre-payment is mandatory for all obituary notices before publication. Payment must be made by the deadline specified in the deadline schedule. Contact 651-228-5263 with your payment information after you have received and approved the obituary proof.
Payment Methods
The Pioneer Press offers several payment options for your convenience:
- Credit Card: Payments via credit card are accepted over the phone only, adhering to Payment Card Industry (PCI) regulations for security.
- EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer): You can pay by check over the phone. Provide your routing number and account number for this method.
- Cash: Cash payments are accepted in person at the Pioneer Press front counter, Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
Obituary Rate Structure
Understanding the rate structure will help you anticipate the cost of placing your obituary.
- Minimum Charge: The minimum charge for an obituary is $162 for the first 10 lines.
- Line Rate: For obituaries exceeding 10 lines, each additional line is charged at $12.20. Even if the obituary is under 10 lines, the minimum rate of $162 applies.
- Multiple Day Discount: For obituaries running for a second day, the line rate is reduced to $8.20 per line, starting from the first line. For instance, a 20-line obituary on the first day would cost $164.
Photo Charges
If you choose to include a photo with the obituary, additional charges apply.
- Photo Fee: Each photo published costs $125 per day. For example, using two photos in the newspaper for two days would incur four photo charges, totaling $500.
Deadlines for Obituary Submission
Adhering to the deadlines is critical to ensure your obituary is published on your desired date. The deadlines are strict and must be followed without exception.
| 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 – Remembering Loved Ones
In addition to obituaries, the St. Paul Pioneer Press also offers Memoriam notices. These are remembrances of loved ones who have passed and differ from obituaries in rates and format. For more information on Memoriam submissions, please contact 651-228-5280 or email [email protected]. The office is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, and closed on weekends and holidays.
For any further inquiries or to begin placing your obituary, please contact the St. Paul Pioneer Press obituary desk at 651-228-5263 or email [email protected].
