Creating a lasting tribute for a loved one through an obituary is a meaningful way to honor their life and share their story. Pioneer Press offers a trusted platform to publish obituaries, ensuring your message reaches the community. This guide provides you with all the necessary information to easily place an obituary in Pioneer Press, whether online or in print. We understand this is a sensitive time, and we aim to make the process as straightforward and respectful as possible.
Essential Information for Obituary Submission
To begin the process of placing an obituary, please gather the following details. This information is crucial for both submission and verification purposes.
- Your Contact Information:
- Full Name
- Complete Address (City, State, Zip Code)
- Primary Phone Number
- Alternate Phone Number (optional)
Obituary Content Specifications
Preparing the obituary content in advance will streamline the submission process. Please ensure you have the following details ready:
- Deceased’s Full Name:
- Obituary Text: Compose the tribute you wish to publish.
- Photograph (Optional but Recommended):
- Acceptable file formats: JPEG, PDF, TIF, and others.
- Pioneer Press will contact you if there are any issues with the photo file.
- Preferred Run Dates: Indicate the dates you wish the obituary to be published.
- Discounts are available for multi-day runs, scheduled from the first run date.
- If a photo is included, it must run on all publication days to qualify for a discount. Contact Pioneer Press for detailed pricing.
Important Policies for Pioneer Press Obituaries
To maintain the integrity and accuracy of obituaries, Pioneer Press has established clear policies:
Verification of Death
- Funeral Home/Cremation Society Contact: Provide the name and phone number of the funeral home or cremation society handling arrangements. Pioneer Press is required to verify the death with them during their business hours.
- University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program: If applicable, provide the phone number of this or similar programs for verification if the deceased’s body was donated.
- Death Certificate: A death certificate is also accepted as verification, as an alternative to funeral home/cremation society contact. Only one form of verification is necessary.
- Time Sensitivity: Allow sufficient time for verification, especially during weekend hours when funeral home hours may be limited.
Guestbook and External Website References
- Pioneer Press does not allow references to external media sources that host guestbooks or obituaries when publishing in print and online.
- Exceptions: You may include a funeral home website or a family email address for contact purposes. Clarify any questions regarding this policy with the obituary desk.
The Obituary Submission Process
Submitting your obituary to Pioneer Press involves these key steps:
- Email Submission: Compile the information listed above and email it to [email protected]. Website submissions are not available.
- Proof Review: Once your submission is received, Pioneer Press will send a proof via fax or email for your review before publication. This proof will include the obituary text, scheduled run dates, and the total cost.
- Careful Review is Crucial: Thoroughly examine the proof for any errors or necessary changes. Notify Pioneer Press of any corrections before the daily deadline to ensure accuracy in the Pioneer Press publication.
- Post-Publication Responsibility: Pioneer Press is not responsible for errors discovered after final proof approval and publication.
Online Obituary Amendments
Changes to online obituaries can be made by contacting the obituary desk directly via phone.
Payment Information and Rates for Obituaries
Pre-payment is mandatory for all obituary notices before publication. Payment must be completed by the specified deadline. You will need your payment information ready after you have received and approved the obituary proof.
Rate Details
- Minimum Charge: $162 for the initial 10 lines.
- Cost Per Additional Line (after 10): $12.20.
- Minimum Line Charge: Even if the obituary is under 10 lines, the minimum charge of $162 applies.
- Second Run Date Line Rate: $8.20 per line, starting from the first line.
- Example: A 20-line obituary on the first run date costs $164.
- Photo Publication Fee: $125 per photo, per day.
- Example: Two photos published for two days will incur four photo charges, totaling $500.
Payment Methods Accepted
- Credit Card: Phone payments only, for security reasons (PCI compliance). Call 651-228-5263 to pay by credit card.
- 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.
Deadlines for Obituary Placement
Adhering to the deadlines is essential to ensure your obituary is published on your desired date.
| Hours | Deadline (No Exceptions) | Ad | Photos |
|---|---|---|---|
| MONDAY – FRIDAY 9:00AM – 5:00 PM | Next Day Publication | Obituary content & payment by 4:30 PM; Changes by 5:00 PM | Photo(s) by 4:30 PM |
| SATURDAYS 10:00AM – 2:00PM | Sunday Publication | Obituary content & payment by 1:30 PM; Changes by 2:00 PM | Photo(s) by 1:30 PM |
| SUNDAYS 12:00PM – 3:00PM | Monday Publication | Obituary content, payment, & final changes by 2:30 PM | Photo(s) by 2:30 PM |
Memoriam Submissions (Non-Obituary Remembrances)
If you wish to publish a memoriam, which is a remembrance of a loved one rather than a formal obituary, please note the following:
- Memoriam rates differ from obituary rates.
- For memoriam inquiries, please call 651-228-5280 or email [email protected].
Memoriam Department Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed Weekends and Holidays).
For any further questions regarding Pioneer Press obituaries, please contact the obituary desk at 651-228-5263. We are here to assist you during this time.
