Losing a loved one is a profoundly difficult experience, and navigating the process of placing an obituary can add an additional layer of complexity. This comprehensive guide aims to provide a clear and concise overview of the steps involved, ensuring a smooth and efficient process during this challenging time.

Honoring the Departed with Dignity and Care

Gathering the Necessary Information

The first step in the obituary process is to gather the required information. This includes the full name of the deceased, the obituary text, and a photo in a JPEG or PDF format. Additionally, you'll need to provide your own contact details, such as your full name, address, phone number, and an alternate phone number if available. Ensuring that all this information is readily available will streamline the process and help you avoid delays.

Verifying the Death and Funeral Arrangements

Before the obituary can be published, the newspaper must verify the death. This can be done by providing the name and phone number of the funeral home or cremation society handling the arrangements. Alternatively, a death certificate can also be used for this purpose. It's important to allow enough time for the newspaper to contact the funeral home, especially during their limited weekend hours.

Navigating the Guestbook and Online Presence

When placing an obituary in the newspaper, you'll need to be mindful of the policies regarding guestbooks and online presence. The newspaper is not allowed to reference other media sources with a guestbook or an obituary placed elsewhere. Instead, they may allow you to include a website for the funeral home or a family email for contact. It's essential to discuss these options with the newspaper staff to ensure compliance with their policies.

Reviewing the Proof and Finalizing the Obituary

Once you've submitted the necessary information, the newspaper will provide a proof for you to review. This proof will include the price and the scheduled days for the obituary's publication. It's crucial to review the proof carefully and notify the newspaper of any errors or changes before the notice appears in the newspaper, as they will not be responsible for errors that occur after the final proofing.

Exploring the Online Presence and Guestbook

All obituaries published in the newspaper will also appear on the newspaper's website, TwinCities.com, with a permanent online guestbook presence. If you wish to have the online presence removed, you can contact the newspaper's obituary desk. Additionally, any changes to the online obituary can be handled through the same desk.

Understanding the Payment Procedure

Pre-payment is required for all obituary notices prior to publication. The newspaper accepts payment by credit card, electronic funds transfer (EFT), or cash at their front counter. It's important to note that credit card payments can only be made by phone due to PCI (Payment Card Industry) regulations.

Navigating the Deadlines and Rates

The newspaper has specific deadlines for submitting obituary content, photos, and payments, which vary depending on the desired publication day. Failure to meet these deadlines may result in delays or missed publication. The rates for obituaries also vary, with a minimum charge of $162 for the first 10 lines and additional charges for each subsequent line and any published photos.

Exploring Memoriam Submissions

Unlike obituaries, memoriam submissions are remembrances of a loved one who has passed. The rates and submission process for memoriams differ from those for obituaries. If you're interested in placing a memoriam, it's recommended to contact the newspaper's obituary desk for more information.By understanding the comprehensive process outlined in this guide, you can navigate the obituary placement with confidence, ensuring that your loved one's memory is honored with the utmost care and respect.