Navigating the process of announcing the passing of a loved one or commemorating their memory requires sensitivity and clear guidance. The St. Paul Pioneer Press understands this and offers dedicated customer service to assist you with obituary and memoriam placements. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to effectively utilize St. Paul Pioneer Press customer service to ensure your submissions are handled smoothly and respectfully.
Reaching Out to St. Paul Pioneer Press Customer Service
For direct assistance, the St. Paul Pioneer Press obituary desk is readily available to answer your queries and guide you through the submission process. You can reach their customer service team via phone or email:
- Phone: For immediate assistance or to discuss specific details of your obituary or memoriam, call the obituary desk directly at 651-228-5263.
- Email: For submitting obituary information or general inquiries, you can email the obituary team at [email protected]. For memoriam specific requests, use [email protected] or call 651-228-5280.
Customer service hours for memoriam inquiries are Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding weekends and holidays.
Essential Information for Obituary Submissions
To expedite the obituary placement process, ensure you have the following details prepared when you contact St. Paul Pioneer Press customer service:
General Contact Information:
- Your Full Name
- Address (City, State, Zip Code)
- Phone Number
- Alternate Phone Number (Optional)
Obituary Specifics:
- Deceased’s Full Name: The name of the person to be memorialized.
- Obituary Text: The written content of the obituary itself.
- Photo (Optional): A JPEG or PDF photo is preferred, but TIF and other formats are also accepted. Customer service will inform you if any photo issues arise.
- Preferred Run Dates: Specify the dates you wish for the obituary to be published. Remember to inquire about discounts for multiple-day runs and photo inclusion for both days.
Understanding Key Policies and Procedures
St. Paul Pioneer Press customer service will also guide you through important policies to ensure a seamless submission:
Verification of Death: To publish an obituary, verification of death is mandatory. You will need to provide the name and phone number of the funeral home or cremation society handling arrangements. Alternatively, a death certificate is also acceptable. This step is crucial for ensuring accuracy and preventing misinformation.
Guestbook and External Links: While placing an obituary with the St. Paul Pioneer Press, direct references to external guestbooks or obituaries on other platforms are not permitted. However, you can include a funeral home website or a family contact email address for further inquiries.
Obituary Proofing Process: Once you submit your obituary details, St. Paul Pioneer Press customer service will send you a proof via fax or email for your review before publication. This proof will include the obituary text, scheduled publication dates, and the total cost. Carefully review this proof for any errors before approving it, as the Pioneer Press is not responsible for errors after final proofing and publication.
Managing Online Obituaries and Payment
Online Obituary Changes: Any modifications to an online obituary after publication can be managed by contacting the obituary desk. Their customer service team can assist with these updates.
Payment Procedures: Pre-payment is required for all obituary notices before publication. St. Paul Pioneer Press customer service will assist you with payment arrangements once you have approved the obituary proof. Payment options include:
- Credit Card: Accepted over the phone only for security reasons.
- EFT (Check by Phone): You can provide your routing and account number for payment via phone.
- Cash: Accepted at their front counter from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM.
Understanding Obituary and Memoriam Rates
The St. Paul Pioneer Press offers clear rate structures for both obituaries and memoriams. For obituaries, the minimum charge covers the first ten lines, with subsequent lines priced per line. Photos also incur a daily charge. Contact customer service for detailed pricing and to discuss memoriam rates, which differ from obituary rates.
Adhering to Deadlines
Meeting deadlines is crucial to ensure your obituary is published on your desired date. St. Paul Pioneer Press customer service can clarify specific deadlines based on the day of the week and publication date. Generally, deadlines are in the afternoon for next-day publication, and earlier on weekends for Sunday and Monday publications.
| Hours | Deadline (No Exceptions) | Ad | Photos |
|---|---|---|---|
| MONDAY – FRIDAY 9:00AM – 5:00 PM | Next Day Publication | Obituary content & payment by 4:30 PM; Changes by 5:00 PM | Photo(s) by 4:30 PM |
| SATURDAYS 10:00AM – 2:00PM | Sunday Publication | Obituary content & payment by 1:30 PM; Changes by 2:00 PM | Photo(s) by 1:30 PM |
| SUNDAYS 12:00PM – 3:00PM | Monday Publication | Obituary content, payment, & final changes by 2:30 PM | Photo(s) by 2:30 PM |
Memoriam Submissions: A Different Approach
For remembrances that are not immediate death announcements, St. Paul Pioneer Press customer service can provide information and guidance on memoriam submissions. Memoriams are a way to remember loved ones on anniversaries or other significant dates. Contact the memoriam team directly at [email protected] or 651-228-5280 for specific details and rate information.
By utilizing the St. Paul Pioneer Press customer service effectively, you can navigate the process of placing obituaries and memoriams with ease and assurance, ensuring your tribute is handled with professionalism and care.
