Submitting an obituary to the Pioneer Press is a straightforward process, ensuring your loved one’s remembrance is respectfully and accurately published. While there isn’t direct website submission, Pioneer Press offers efficient alternatives via email and phone. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough for placing an obituary, ensuring it appears in the Pioneer Press Online Edition and print.
Essential Information for Obituary Submission
To begin, compile the following information. This checklist ensures a smooth and efficient submission process.
Your Contact Information:
- Full Name
- Address (City, State, Zip Code)
- Phone Number
- Alternate Phone Number (optional)
Obituary Details:
- Deceased’s Full Name
- Complete Obituary Text
- Photograph (JPEG or PDF preferred, TIF and other formats accepted)
- Preferred Run Dates for the Obituary
Understanding run dates is crucial. Pioneer Press offers discounts for multi-day runs, which must be scheduled on the initial run date. If including a photo, it must run for all scheduled days to qualify for the discount. Contact the obituary desk for detailed pricing and options.
Pioneer Press Obituary Policies and Verification
Adhering to Pioneer Press policies ensures your obituary is published without delays.
Verification of Death is Mandatory:
To uphold accuracy and prevent misinformation, Pioneer Press requires death verification. Provide the name and phone number of the funeral home or cremation society handling arrangements. Pioneer Press will directly contact them during business hours to verify the passing. Alternatively, for cases involving body donation to programs like the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program, their contact information serves as verification. A death certificate is also accepted, though only one verification method is necessary. Remember to allow sufficient time for verification, especially during weekend hours when funeral home hours may be limited.
Guidelines for Guestbooks and External Links:
Pioneer Press maintains a focused approach to obituaries published in their print and online editions. Referencing external guestbooks or obituaries hosted on other platforms is not permitted. However, you can include a funeral home website or a family email address for contact within the obituary. For clarifications on this policy, reach out to the obituary desk.
The Obituary Submission and Review Process
Submitting your obituary is just the first step. Pioneer Press ensures accuracy through a review process.
Submission to Proofing:
Upon receiving your complete submission, Pioneer Press will send a proof via fax or email for your review before newspaper and online publication. This proof will detail the obituary content, scheduled run dates, and total cost.
Crucial Proof Review:
Carefully 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 online edition and print. Pioneer Press is not responsible for errors after final proof approval and subsequent publication.
Online Obituary Management:
For any modifications to an obituary already published online, directly contact the obituary desk. They can efficiently handle online changes.
Payment Procedures for Obituaries
Pre-payment is required for all obituary notices before publication. Ensure payment is completed by the specified deadline in the schedule. Payment can be made after you receive and approve the obituary proof.
Payment Options:
- Credit Card: Accepted by phone only due to Payment Card Industry (PCI) regulations. Call 651-228-5263 to pay via credit card.
- EFT (Check by Phone): Provide your routing number and account number when calling.
- Cash: Accepted at the Pioneer Press front counter, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM.
Obituary Rates and Charges
Understanding the rate structure helps in budgeting for the obituary placement.
Obituary Pricing:
- Minimum Charge: $162 for the first 10 lines.
- Additional Lines (after 10): $12.20 per line.
- 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). For instance, a 20-line obituary on the first day would cost $164.
- Photo Charge: $125 per photo, per day. For example, two photos running for two days would incur four photo charges, totaling $500.
Deadlines for Obituary Submissions
Meeting deadlines is critical to ensure timely publication in the Pioneer Press online edition and print.
Submission Deadlines (No Exceptions):
| Day | Hours | Deadline (No Exceptions) | Ad Submission & Payment Deadline | Photo Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday – Friday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Next Day Publication | Same day by 4:30 PM (Content & Payment), Changes by 5:00 PM | Same day by 4:30 PM |
| Saturdays | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Sunday Publication | Same day by 1:30 PM (Content & Payment), Changes by 2:00 PM | Same day by 1:30 PM |
| Sundays | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Monday Publication | Same day by 2:30 PM (Content, Payment & Final Changes) | Same day by 2:30 PM |
Adhering to these deadlines ensures your obituary is published on the desired day in both the Pioneer Press newspaper and online edition.
Memoriam Submissions (Non-Obituary)
Pioneer Press also offers Memoriam submissions, distinct from obituaries.
Understanding Memoriams:
Memoriams are remembrances for loved ones who have passed, but differ in rates and format from traditional obituaries. For details on memoriam submissions, including rates and guidelines, please contact Pioneer Press directly.
Memoriam Contact Information:
For memoriam inquiries or submissions:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 651-228-5280
Memoriam Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed Weekends and Holidays)
By following this comprehensive guide, placing an obituary in the Pioneer Press online edition and print becomes a manageable process, ensuring a respectful and timely tribute to your loved one.
