Losing a loved one is a deeply personal and challenging experience. Announcing their passing and celebrating their life through an obituary is an important step in the grieving process. The Twin Cities St. Paul Pioneer Press serves as a vital platform for families in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area to share these announcements with the community. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to place an obituary and memoriam in the Pioneer Press, ensuring a smooth and respectful process during a difficult time.
Essential Information for Obituary Submission
To begin the process of placing an obituary, gather the following general information. This will streamline your submission and ensure the Pioneer Press obituary desk can efficiently assist you.
Your Contact Details
Please provide the following contact information when submitting your obituary request:
- Your Full Name
- Address (City, State, Zip Code)
- Phone Number
- Alternate Phone Number (optional)
This information allows the Pioneer Press to contact you regarding your submission, proofing, and payment.
Obituary Specifications: Crafting Your Announcement
Preparing the specifics of the obituary itself is the next crucial step. Having this information ready will help expedite the placement process.
Required Obituary Information
When submitting your obituary, please include the following details:
- Name of the Deceased: The full name of the person being memorialized.
- Obituary Text: The written content of the obituary. This can include biographical information, accomplishments, personal stories, and details about funeral or memorial services.
- Preferred Run Dates: Indicate the dates you would like the obituary to be published. Running the obituary for multiple days can qualify for a discount, which must be scheduled on the first run date.
Photo Guidelines
Adding a photograph to the obituary is a meaningful way to personalize the announcement. Please note the following guidelines for submitting photos:
- File Format: JPEG or PDF is preferred. TIF and other file formats are also accepted, but the obituary desk will contact you if there are any issues.
- Photo Usage: If you choose to include a photo, it must be used for all run dates to qualify for any applicable discounts. Contact the obituary desk for detailed information on photo discounts.
Policies and Verification: Ensuring Accuracy and Respect
The Pioneer Press has established policies to ensure the accuracy and integrity of obituary announcements. Understanding these policies is essential for a successful submission.
Verification of Death
To publish an obituary, the Pioneer Press requires verification of the deceased’s passing. Please provide one of the following:
- Funeral Home/Cremation Society Contact: The name and phone number of the funeral home or cremation society handling the arrangements. The Pioneer Press will contact them during business hours to verify the death.
- University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program or Similar: If the deceased’s body has been donated to a program like the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program, please provide their phone number for verification.
- Death Certificate: A death certificate is also acceptable for verification.
Providing this information allows the Pioneer Press to maintain the accuracy and trustworthiness of their obituary section. Please allow sufficient time for verification, especially during weekend hours when funeral homes may have limited availability.
Guestbooks and External Websites
To maintain the integrity of the Pioneer Press platform, obituaries published in print and online cannot directly reference guestbooks or obituaries placed on external websites. However, you can include the website address for the funeral home or a family email address for contact purposes. If you have questions regarding this policy, please contact the obituary desk for clarification.
Obituary Submission Process: From Submission to Publication
Understanding the obituary process step-by-step will help ensure a timely and accurate publication in the Twin Cities St. Paul Pioneer Press.
Proofing and Review
Once you submit your obituary, the Pioneer Press will send you a proof via fax or email for your review before publication. This proof will include the obituary text, photo (if applicable), scheduled run dates, and the total price.
It is crucial to review the proof carefully. Notify the Pioneer Press obituary desk of any errors or changes before the daily deadline. The Pioneer Press is not responsible for errors that appear after final proofing and publication.
Online Changes
For any changes needed to an online obituary after publication, please contact the obituary desk directly by phone.
Payment Information: Securing Your Obituary Placement
Pre-payment is required for all obituary notices before publication. Payment must be made by the specified deadline in the deadline schedule. Contact the obituary desk at 651-228-5263 with your payment information after you have received and approved the proof.
Payment Methods
The Pioneer Press offers the following payment options:
- Credit Card: Payments are accepted by phone only due to Payment Card Industry (PCI) regulations.
- EFT (Check by Phone): Provide your routing number and account number for payment via electronic funds transfer.
- Cash: Cash payments are accepted at the Pioneer Press front counter Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM.
Rates and Charges
Understanding the rate structure will help you plan for the cost of placing an obituary.
- Minimum Charge: $162 for the first 10 lines.
- Additional Lines: $12.20 for each line after the first 10 lines.
- Minimum Line Charge: Even if the obituary is under 10 lines, the minimum charge of $162 applies.
- Second Run Date Discount: For a second run date, the rate is $8.20 per line, starting with the first line. For example, a 20-line obituary on the first day would cost $164.
- Photo Charge: Each photo published is $125 per day. For instance, two photos in the paper for two days would incur four photo charges, totaling $500.
Deadlines: Ensuring Timely Publication
Adhering to the deadlines is critical to ensure your obituary is published on your desired date in the Twin Cities St. Paul Pioneer Press.
Deadline Schedule
| 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 4:30PM. Make changes by 5:00PM | Must receive photo(s) by 4:30PM |
| SATURDAYS 10:00AM – 2:00PM | Sunday Publication | Must receive obituary content and payment same day by 1:30PM. Make changes by 2:00PM | Must receive photo(s) by 1:30PM |
| SUNDAYS 12:00PM – 3:00PM | Monday Publication | Must receive obituary content, payment, and final changes same day by 2:30PM | Must receive photo(s) by 2:30PM |
Memoriam Requests: Honoring Loved Ones
In addition to obituaries, the Twin Cities St. Paul Pioneer Press also offers Memoriam submissions. Memoriams are remembrances of a loved one who has passed and offer a different format compared to traditional obituaries.
Rates for memoriams differ from obituary rates. For more information on placing a memoriam, please call 651-228-5280 or email [email protected].
HOURS: Monday – Friday 8:00AM – 5:00PM (CLOSED WEEKENDS and HOLIDAYS)
Placing an obituary or memoriam in the Twin Cities St. Paul Pioneer Press is a meaningful way to announce and honor the life of a loved one. By following these guidelines and contacting the Pioneer Press obituary desk with any questions, you can ensure a respectful and accurate announcement for the community.
