Losing a loved one is an incredibly challenging experience. During these times, announcing their passing and celebrating their life becomes an important part of the grieving and healing process. For families in the St. Paul and Minneapolis areas, the St Paul Pioneer Press Archives Obituaries section serves as a vital resource for both publishing and accessing these important announcements. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how to navigate the Pioneer Press obituary process, ensuring you can respectfully and accurately commemorate your loved one.
Submitting an Obituary to the Pioneer Press: Essential Information
The Pioneer Press makes it straightforward to submit an obituary. While there isn’t an online submission portal, emailing your information is a simple process. To begin, gather the following general information:
- Your Full Name: This is for contact purposes regarding the obituary.
- Your Address: Include City, State, and Zip Code for record-keeping.
- Phone Number: A primary phone number to reach you.
- Alternate Phone Number: Providing a secondary number ensures they can contact you if needed.
Once you have your general contact details ready, focus on the specifics of the obituary itself. The Pioneer Press requires the following information to create a meaningful tribute:
- Name of Deceased: Clearly state the full name of the person being memorialized.
- Obituary Text: This is the heart of the announcement. Craft a thoughtful narrative that celebrates their life, achievements, and personality.
- Photo (Optional but Recommended): A photograph adds a personal touch. JPEG or PDF files are preferred, but other formats like TIF are also accepted. If there are any issues with the photo, the obituary desk will contact you.
- Ad Run Dates: Specify the dates you wish the obituary to be published. Running the obituary for multiple days can be more cost-effective. Be sure to schedule multiple-day runs on the initial submission to take advantage of any discounts. If you include a photo, it must run for all publication days to qualify for a discount. Contact the obituary desk for detailed pricing information on multi-day runs and photo inclusions.
Pioneer Press Obituary Policies: Ensuring Accuracy and Respect
The Pioneer Press has established policies to maintain the integrity and accuracy of their obituary section. Understanding these policies will help ensure a smooth submission process.
Verification of Death: A Necessary Step
To prevent inaccuracies and ensure authenticity, the Pioneer Press requires verification of death. You will need to provide the name and phone number of the funeral home or cremation society handling the arrangements. The Pioneer Press obituary desk will contact them during business hours to confirm the passing.
Alternatively, if the deceased’s body was donated to the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program or a similar organization, their contact information can be provided for verification.
Providing this information promptly is crucial, especially with weekend hours for funeral homes potentially being limited. A death certificate is also accepted as verification, offering another option for families. Only one form of verification – either funeral home contact or a death certificate – is required.
Guestbooks and External Websites: Maintaining Focus
When placing an obituary with the Pioneer Press, direct references to guestbooks or obituaries hosted on external media sources are not permitted in the print and online versions. However, you can include the website address for the funeral home or a family email address for those seeking further contact or information. If you have questions about this policy, it’s best to contact the obituary desk for clarification.
The Obituary Proofing Process: Your Opportunity to Review
Once you submit your obituary details, the Pioneer Press will send you a proof via fax or email for your review before it is published in the newspaper and online. This proof will include the obituary text, photo (if provided), scheduled publication dates, and the total cost.
Carefully examine the proof for any errors or necessary changes. It is crucial to notify the Pioneer Press of any corrections before the daily deadline to ensure accuracy in the final publication. The Pioneer Press is not responsible for errors discovered after the final proof has been approved and the obituary has been published.
Online Obituary Modifications: Post-Publication Changes
For any changes needed to the online version of the obituary after it has been published, you can contact the obituary desk directly. They can assist with online modifications to ensure the online obituary remains accurate and up-to-date.
Payment Procedures: Ensuring Timely Publication
Pre-payment is required for all obituary notices before they are published. Payment must be made by the specified deadline outlined in the deadline schedule. After you receive and approve the obituary proof, call 651-228-5263 with your payment information.
The Pioneer Press accepts the following payment methods:
- Credit Card: For security reasons (PCI compliance), credit card payments are accepted over the phone only.
- EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer): You can pay by phone using a check. Provide your routing number and account number when you call.
- Cash: Cash payments are accepted at the Pioneer Press front counter, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
Understanding Obituary Rates and Costs
The cost of placing an obituary in the Pioneer Press is structured based on the length of the obituary and whether you include a photo.
- Minimum Charge: The minimum charge is $162 for obituaries up to 10 lines.
- Cost Per Line (Over 10 Lines): For obituaries exceeding 10 lines, each additional line is $12.20. If your obituary is under 10 lines, you will still be charged the minimum rate of $162.
- Discounted Rate (Second Run Date): For obituaries running for a second day, the line rate is reduced to $8.20 per line, starting from the first line. For example, a 20-line obituary running for the first day would cost $164 (after the minimum 10 lines), and the second day would be calculated at 20 lines x $8.20/line.
- Photo Charges: Each photo published with the obituary is $125 per day. For example, using two photos in the obituary for two days would result in four photo charges, totaling $500.
Deadlines for Obituary Submissions: Plan Accordingly
To ensure your obituary is published on your desired date, it is critical to adhere to the Pioneer Press deadlines. These deadlines are firm and must be met to guarantee publication.
| 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 |
Memoriam Submissions: Remembering Beyond the Obituary
In addition to obituaries, the Pioneer Press also offers Memoriam submissions. These are remembrances of loved ones who have passed, but differ from traditional obituaries in format and rates. Memoriam submissions are often used for anniversaries of passing or other special dates of remembrance.
For more information about Memoriam submissions, including specific rates and guidelines, please call 651-228-5280 or email [email protected]. The Memoriam desk is open Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and is closed on weekends and holidays.
By understanding the process for submitting obituaries and utilizing the St Paul Pioneer Press archives obituaries for research or remembrance, you can effectively honor the lives of those who have passed within the community.
