Losing a loved one is a deeply emotional experience, and announcing their passing with dignity and respect is an important step in the grieving process. For families in the St. Paul, Minnesota area, publishing an obituary in the Pioneer Press paper is a long-standing tradition to inform the community and share the life story of those who have passed. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to place an obituary in the Pioneer Press, ensuring a smooth and respectful process during a difficult time.
Essential Information for Your Pioneer Press Obituary Submission
To begin the process of placing an obituary, Pioneer Press requires specific information to ensure accuracy and proper handling. Please have the following details ready when you contact their obituary desk:
- Your Contact Information:
- Full Name
- Address (City, State, Zip Code)
- Phone Number
- Alternate Phone Number (optional)
This information is crucial for Pioneer Press to communicate with you regarding the obituary proof, payment, and any necessary updates.
Obituary Content and Specifications for Pioneer Press Paper
The heart of your submission is the obituary itself. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare:
- Deceased’s Full Name: Ensure accurate spelling.
- Obituary Text: This is where you share the life story, achievements, and loving memories of the deceased. Consider including details like birth date and place, significant life events, career highlights, family members, hobbies, and funeral or memorial service information.
- Photo (Optional but Recommended): A photograph adds a personal touch to the obituary. Pioneer Press prefers JPEG or PDF files, but also accepts TIF and other formats. They will contact you if there are any issues with your submitted photo.
- Preferred Run Dates: Indicate the dates you wish for the obituary to appear in the Pioneer Press paper. Running the obituary for multiple days is possible, and discounts are available for multi-day runs scheduled at the initial placement. Photos must run for all days to qualify for the discount. Inquire with the obituary desk for complete details on multi-day discounts.
Pioneer Press Obituary Policies: Verification and Guidelines
Pioneer Press has established policies to maintain the integrity and accuracy of their obituary section. Understanding these policies will help ensure a seamless submission process:
- Death Verification is Mandatory: To publish an obituary, Pioneer Press requires verification of death. This is typically done by providing 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. If the deceased donated their body to a program like the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program, that program’s contact information is required for verification. Alternatively, a death certificate is also accepted as verification.
- Guestbook and External Website Restrictions: Pioneer Press does not allow references to external guestbooks or obituaries placed on other media platforms within the Pioneer Press paper obituary. However, you can include a funeral home website or a family email address for contact purposes. Contact the obituary desk for clarification if needed.
The Obituary Placement Process with Pioneer Press
Submitting your obituary to the Pioneer Press paper involves a straightforward process:
- Submission: Email your obituary information to [email protected].
- Proof Review: Once submitted, Pioneer Press will email or fax you a proof of the obituary for your review. This proof will include the obituary text, photo (if provided), scheduled run dates, and the total cost.
- Careful Proofreading: Review the proof meticulously for any errors in names, dates, text, or photo placement. It is crucial to notify Pioneer Press of any necessary corrections before the publication deadline. Pioneer Press is not responsible for errors after final proof approval and publication in the Pioneer Press paper.
- Payment: Pre-payment is required for all obituaries before publication. Payment must be made after you receive and approve the proof, and before the daily deadline.
Online Obituary Options with Pioneer Press
In addition to the print obituary in the Pioneer Press paper, your obituary will also appear online. Changes to the online obituary after publication can be made by contacting the obituary desk directly.
Understanding Obituary Payment and Rates in Pioneer Press Paper
Financial considerations are an important aspect of placing an obituary. Here is a breakdown of the rates for obituaries in the Pioneer Press paper:
- Minimum Charge: $162 for the first 10 lines.
- Cost Per Line (After 10 Lines): $12.20 for each additional line.
- Obituaries Under 10 Lines: 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, two photos running for two days would incur a total photo charge of $500 (4 photo charges).
Payment can be made via credit card (phone payment only), EFT/check by phone (routing and account number required), or cash (in-person at the front counter Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM).
Pioneer Press Obituary Deadlines: Ensuring Timely Publication
Meeting deadlines is essential to have the obituary published in the Pioneer Press paper on your desired date. Note that these deadlines are strict:
| Publication Day | Deadline Time (No Exceptions) | Content & Payment Deadline | Photo Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday – Friday | Next Day Publication (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM) | 4:30 PM Same Day | 4:30 PM Same Day |
| Saturday | Sunday Publication (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM) | 1:30 PM Same Day | 1:30 PM Same Day |
| Sunday | Monday Publication (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM) | 2:30 PM Same Day | 2:30 PM Same Day |
Memoriam Notices in Pioneer Press Paper
In addition to obituaries, Pioneer Press also offers Memoriam notices. These are remembrances of loved ones who have passed, distinct from formal obituaries. Rates for Memoriam notices differ from obituary rates. For information on placing a Memoriam in the Pioneer Press paper, please call 651-228-5280 or email [email protected]. Memoriam services are available Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed weekends and holidays).
Placing an obituary in the Pioneer Press paper is a meaningful way to honor and remember a loved one. By following this guide and contacting the Pioneer Press obituary desk, you can ensure a respectful and accurate announcement of their passing to the community. For any questions or assistance, please contact the Pioneer Press obituary desk at 651-228-5263.
