Navigating the process of announcing the passing of a loved one can be a challenging task. Pioneer Press is here to assist you in creating and placing an obituary to honor their memory. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to submit an obituary, ensuring a smooth and respectful process during this sensitive time. We aim to make this as straightforward as possible, providing all the necessary information for you to effectively communicate your announcement through our platform, reaching our community and beyond.
Gathering General Information for Your Submission
To begin the obituary submission process with Pioneer Press, please compile the following general information. This will help us process your request efficiently and ensure we can contact you if needed. Please email this information to [email protected] to initiate your submission.
- Your Full Name:
- Address: (City, State, Zip Code)
- Phone Number:
- Alternate Phone Number: (if applicable)
Preparing Your Obituary Specification
Once you have gathered your general information, you will need to prepare the specific details for the obituary itself. Providing the following information in your email will allow us to create a meaningful and accurate announcement.
- Name of Deceased:
- Obituary Text: Compose the text of the obituary as you would like it to appear.
- Photo (Optional): A photo in JPEG or PDF format is preferred. TIF and other file formats are also accepted. We will contact you if there are any issues with the photo file.
- Ad Run Dates: Specify the dates you would like the obituary to be published.
- Multi-Day Run Discount: A discount is available for obituaries running for more than one day. This must be scheduled on the first run date to be applied. If a photo is included, it must run for all scheduled days to qualify for the discount. Contact us for detailed pricing information.
Understanding Our Verification Policies
To maintain the integrity and accuracy of our obituary announcements, Pioneer Press has established verification policies. These policies are in place to ensure the respectful and accurate reporting of passing announcements.
Verification of Death:
To publish an obituary, we require verification of death. Please provide the name and phone number of the funeral home or cremation society handling the arrangements. We will contact them during their business hours to verify the passing. If the deceased has donated their body to the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program or a similar program, their phone number can be provided for verification.
Please allow sufficient time for us to contact the funeral home or program, especially during weekend hours when their availability may be limited.
Alternatively, a death certificate is also acceptable for verification purposes. Only one of these verification methods is required.
Guestbook and External Website Policies
When placing an obituary with Pioneer Press, we adhere to certain policies regarding external references to maintain a consistent and respectful presentation.
Guestbook and Outside Websites:
We are unable to include references to external media sources that host guestbooks or obituaries placed elsewhere. However, we can include a website for the funeral home or a family email address for contact purposes. If you have any questions regarding this policy, please contact us for clarification.
The Obituary Submission Process: From Submission to Publication
We strive to make the obituary submission process as seamless as possible. Here’s what you can expect after submitting your information.
Obituary Process:
Once your submission is complete and received at [email protected], we will prepare a proof and send it to you via fax or email for your review prior to publication in the newspaper and online. This proof will include the obituary text, scheduled publication dates, and the total price.
Review Your Proof Carefully:
It is crucial to review the proof meticulously for any errors or necessary changes. Please notify us of any corrections or alterations before the stated daily deadlines to ensure they are incorporated before publication in the Pioneer Press.
Post-Publication Responsibility:
After publication, Pioneer Press is not responsible for errors that may appear if they were present and approved in the final proof. Therefore, your careful review and timely feedback are essential.
Managing Your Obituary Online
Pioneer Press extends the reach of obituary announcements through our online platform, ensuring broader community access and enduring memorialization.
Online Amendments:
For any changes needed to an online obituary after publication, please contact our obituary desk directly. Our team is available to assist with any necessary modifications. Please call us with any further questions regarding online obituaries.
Payment Procedures and Options
To ensure timely publication, Pioneer Press requires pre-payment for all obituary notices. Payment must be completed prior to the publication deadline outlined in our schedule.
Payment Procedure:
After you have received and approved the obituary proof, please call 651-228-5263 with your payment information.
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Credit Card: For security reasons and PCI compliance, credit card payments are accepted by phone only.
- EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer): You can pay by check over the phone. Please have your routing number and account number ready when you call.
- Cash: Cash payments are accepted in person at our front counter, Monday – Friday, from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Please note counter hours for cash payments are limited.
Understanding Obituary and Photo Rates
Pioneer Press offers clear and structured rates for obituary placements and photo inclusions. Understanding these rates will help you plan accordingly.
Rates:
- Minimum Charge: The minimum charge for an obituary is $162 for the first 10 lines.
- Cost Per Line (After 10 Lines): For obituaries exceeding 10 lines, each additional line is charged at $12.20.
- Minimum Rate Application: Even if your ad is under 10 lines, the minimum rate of $162 will apply.
- Second Run Date Line Rate: For a second consecutive run date, the line rate is reduced to $8.20 per line, starting with the first line.
- Example Calculation: For a 20-line obituary on the first run date, the cost would be $164.
- Photo Publication Fee: Each photo published is $125 per day.
- Example Photo Cost: Publishing two photos in the paper for two days would incur four photo charges, totaling $500.
Key Deadlines for Obituary Submission
To guarantee your obituary is published on your requested day, it is essential to adhere to our strict deadlines. Please note that these deadlines are firm and without exceptions.
Deadlines:
| 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 |
Considering a Memoriam Instead of an Obituary?
In addition to obituaries, Pioneer Press offers the option to publish Memoriam notices. Understanding the difference can help you choose the most appropriate announcement.
Memoriam (Non-Obituary) Request:
Unlike obituaries, Memoriam submissions are remembrances of a loved one who has passed, typically published on anniversaries or significant dates after the passing. The rates and format for a memoriam differ from obituaries.
For more detailed information on Memoriam submissions, including rates and specific guidelines, please call us at 651-228-5280 or email us.
Memoriam Contact Information:
For memoriam inquiries and submissions, please email [email protected] or call 651-228-5280.
Memoriam Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00AM – 5:00PM (CLOSED WEEKENDS and HOLIDAYS).
We hope this guide has provided you with a clear understanding of the obituary submission process at Pioneer Press. Our team is here to support you during this time. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or for further assistance at 651-228-5263 or via email at [email protected].
