Placing an obituary in the Pioneer Press is a straightforward process, ensuring your announcement reaches the community through both print and their e-edition platforms. This guide provides all the necessary information for submitting an obituary, whether you are familiar with the process or navigating it for the first time. Please note that submissions are handled via email and phone, not directly through the website.
Essential Information for Obituary Submission
To begin the process, you will need to compile some general information for contact and verification purposes. This ensures the Pioneer Press obituary desk can effectively manage your submission and keep you informed throughout the process.
- Your Full Name
- Address (including City, State, and Zip Code)
- Primary Phone Number
- Alternate Phone Number (optional)
Obituary Content and Specifications
The core of your submission is the obituary itself. Providing all details upfront helps expedite the process. Here’s what you need to prepare:
- Deceased’s Full Name: The name of the person being memorialized.
- Obituary Text: The written content of the obituary.
- Photo (Optional but Recommended): A JPEG or PDF photo is preferred. TIF and other file formats are also accepted. The obituary desk will contact you if there are any issues with your submitted photo.
- Desired Run Dates: Specify the dates you wish for the obituary to be published.
- Discounts are available for running the obituary for more than one day, but this must be scheduled at the time of the initial submission.
- If a photo is included, it must run on all publication days to qualify for the discount. Contact the obituary desk for detailed pricing information.
Important Policies for Obituary Placement
The Pioneer Press has specific policies in place to ensure the accuracy and legitimacy of all published obituaries. Understanding these policies is crucial for a smooth submission process.
Verification of Death
To publish an obituary, verification of death is mandatory. 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 was donated to a program like the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program, their contact information can be used for verification.
A death certificate is also accepted as proof of death, serving as an alternative to funeral home/cremation society verification. Only one form of verification is necessary. Please allow sufficient time for verification, especially during weekends when hours may be limited.
Guidelines for Guestbooks and External Websites
When placing an obituary with Pioneer Press, references to external guestbooks or obituaries published elsewhere are not permitted in the print and online versions. However, you can include a funeral home website or a family email address for contact purposes. Contact the obituary desk if you have questions regarding this policy.
The Obituary Submission Process Explained
Submitting your obituary involves a few key steps to ensure accuracy and timely publication in the Pioneer Press e-edition and print.
- Submission: Email your completed obituary information, including text and photo, to [email protected].
- Proof Review: Once your submission is processed, the Pioneer Press will send you a proof via fax or email for your review prior to publication. This proof will include the obituary text, scheduled publication dates, and the total cost.
- Careful Review is Crucial: Thoroughly review the proof for any errors or necessary changes. Notify the Pioneer Press obituary desk of any corrections before the stated deadlines for each publication day.
- Post-Publication Responsibility: The Pioneer Press is not responsible for errors discovered after the final proof has been approved and the obituary has been published.
Payment Procedures and Rate Information
Pre-payment is required for all obituary notices before they are published. Payment must be made by the deadline specified in the deadline schedule. Contact the obituary desk at 651-228-5263 with your payment information after you have approved the proof.
Payment Options:
- Credit Card: Accepted over the phone only due to Payment Card Industry (PCI) regulations.
- EFT (Check by Phone): Provide your bank routing number and account number when calling.
- Cash: Accepted in person at the Pioneer Press front counter, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM.
Rates:
- Minimum Charge: $162 for the first 10 lines.
- Cost Per Line (After 10 Lines): $12.20 per line.
- Obituaries Under 10 Lines: Charged the minimum rate of $162.
- Second Run Date Line Rate: $8.20 per line, starting from the first line.
- Example: A 20-line obituary on the first run date would cost $164.
- Photo Charge: $125 per photo, per day of publication.
- Example: Two photos published for two days would incur four photo charges, totaling $500.
Deadlines for Obituary Submission
Adhering to the deadlines is essential to ensure your obituary is published on your desired date in the Pioneer Press e-edition and print.
| 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 Submissions (Non-Obituary)
In addition to obituaries, Pioneer Press also publishes Memoriam submissions, which are remembrances of deceased loved ones. These are different from obituaries and have separate rates.
For more information on Memoriam submissions, please call 651-228-5280 or email [email protected].
Memoriam Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed Weekends and Holidays).
For any further questions regarding obituary submissions for the Pioneer Press e-edition and print, please contact the obituary desk at 651-228-5263 or email [email protected].
