Losing a loved one is a deeply personal and challenging experience. Announcing their passing and celebrating their life through an obituary is a time-honored tradition. If you are looking to publish an obituary in the Pioneer Press, understanding the submission process, policies, and costs is essential. This guide provides a comprehensive overview to help you navigate the Pioneer Press Obituary Search and placement process smoothly.
Submitting Your Obituary to Pioneer Press: A Step-by-Step Guide
Pioneer Press makes it straightforward to submit obituaries, primarily through email. Here’s how you can ensure your tribute is published:
1. Email Submission: The Preferred Method
The most convenient way to place an obituary is by emailing all necessary information to [email protected]. This method allows you to clearly present all details and attachments for the obituary.
2. Contacting the Obituary Desk for Assistance
If you have questions or need guidance during the submission process, the Pioneer Press obituary desk is available to help. You can reach them at 651-228-5263. They can answer your queries regarding content, photos, pricing, and deadlines.
Information Checklist for Obituary Submission
To ensure a seamless submission, gather the following information before contacting Pioneer Press:
A. General Information (Your Contact Details):
- Your Full Name:
- Address: (City, State, Zip Code)
- Primary Phone Number:
- Alternate Phone Number: (Optional)
B. Obituary Specifications (Deceased’s Information):
- Name of Deceased: (Full name as it should appear in the obituary)
- Obituary Text: (The written tribute you wish to publish)
- Photo: (Attach a photo in JPEG or PDF format. TIF and other formats are also accepted, but JPEG or PDF is preferred for ease of processing.)
- Ad Run Dates: (Specify the dates you want the obituary to be published.)
Understanding Pioneer Press Obituary Policies
Pioneer Press has specific policies to maintain accuracy and respect in obituary publications. Familiarizing yourself with these policies ensures a smooth process.
1. Verification of Death: Ensuring Accuracy
To uphold the integrity of obituary announcements, Pioneer Press requires verification of death. You must provide the name and phone number of the funeral home or cremation society handling the arrangements. Pioneer Press will contact them during business hours to verify the passing. Alternatively, a death certificate is also accepted for verification. Only one of these verification methods is necessary. Allow sufficient time for verification, especially during weekend hours when funeral home hours may be limited.
2. Guestbook and External Website Policies
When publishing an obituary with Pioneer Press, references to external guestbooks or obituaries on other media sources are not permitted in the print and online versions. However, you can include the website of the funeral home or a family email address for contact purposes. If you have questions about this policy, contact the obituary desk for clarification.
3. The Obituary Publication Process: From Submission to Online Display
Once you submit your obituary, Pioneer Press will email or fax you a proof for review. This proof will include the obituary text, photo (if provided), scheduled publication dates, and the total cost. Carefully review this proof for any errors or necessary changes. Notify Pioneer Press of any corrections before the daily deadline. Pioneer Press is not responsible for errors after final proofing and publication.
Online obituaries can be modified after publication. Contact the obituary desk to request any changes to the online version.
Pioneer Press Obituary Costs, Payment, and Deadlines
Understanding the financial and time-sensitive aspects of obituary placement is crucial.
1. Payment Procedure: Pre-Payment is Required
Pioneer Press requires pre-payment for all obituary notices before publication. Payment must be made by the specified deadline in their schedule. After receiving and approving the proof, call 651-228-5263 with your payment information.
Payment Methods Accepted:
- Credit Card: Accepted via phone call only due to Payment Card Industry (PCI) regulations.
- EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer): Check by phone. Provide your routing number and account number.
- Cash: Accepted at the Pioneer Press front counter, Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM.
2. Obituary Rates: Lineage and Photo Charges
Pioneer Press obituary costs are structured based on the length of the obituary and whether a photo is included.
- Minimum Charge: $162 for the first 10 lines.
- Cost Per Line (after 10 lines): $12.20 per line.
- Obituaries under 10 lines are still charged the minimum rate of $162.
- Second Run Date Line Rate: $8.20 per line (starting from the first line).
- Photo Charge: $125 per photo, per day of publication.
For example, a 20-line obituary on the first run date would cost $164. Publishing two photos in the paper for two days would result in four photo charges, totaling $500.
3. Publication Deadlines: Meeting Timelines for Desired Dates
Adhering to deadlines is critical 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 | Must receive obituary content and payment same day by 4:30 PM. Make changes by 5:00 PM | Must receive photo(s) by 4:30 PM |
| SATURDAYS 10:00AM – 2:00PM | Sunday Publication | Must receive obituary content and payment same day by 1:30 PM. Make changes by 2:00 PM | Must receive photo(s) by 1:30 PM |
| SUNDAYS 12:00PM – 3:00PM | Monday Publication | Must receive obituary content, payment, and final changes same day by 2:30 PM | Must receive photo(s) by 2:30 PM |
Alt text: The iconic Pioneer Press Building, a landmark in St. Paul, Minnesota, symbolizing trusted local news and obituary services.
Memoriam Submissions: Remembering Beyond the Obituary
Pioneer Press also offers Memoriam submissions, which are different from obituaries. Memoriams are remembrances of loved ones who have passed, published after the initial obituary period. Rates for memoriam submissions differ from obituary rates.
For more information on placing a memoriam, contact Pioneer Press at 651-228-5280 or email [email protected]. The memoriam desk is open Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed weekends and holidays).
Conclusion: Honoring a Life with Pioneer Press
Publishing an obituary in Pioneer Press is a meaningful way to announce and celebrate the life of a loved one. By following this guide, understanding the process for pioneer press obituary search and submission, and adhering to their policies and deadlines, you can ensure a respectful and timely tribute. For any further assistance, do not hesitate to contact the Pioneer Press obituary desk or memoriam department directly.
