How to Submit an Obituary: A Step-by-Step Guide

Losing someone close is never easy, and sharing their story through an obituary can feel overwhelming. But it doesn't have to be. There are clear steps to follow, and help is available every step of the way.

To get started, you can send your obituary details by email to [email protected]. Just make sure to include all the required information from the checklist. If you prefer doing things online, there's a self-service portal that walks you through each part of the process.

You'll need to provide some basic info first. This includes your full name, address, phone number, and an alternate number if you have one. Then comes the main part: the name of the person who has passed, the obituary text itself, and a photo if you'd like one included. Photos should be in JPEG or PDF format, though other types may work too.

Before anything gets printed, someone from the team will reach out to confirm the death. They'll need to talk to the funeral home or cremation service handling the arrangements. If the body was donated to a program like the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program, they'll need to contact them instead. A death certificate also works for this step.

Pricing depends on how long the obituary is and how many days it runs. The base cost covers the first 12 lines, and extra lines cost a bit more. Running the notice for multiple days brings a discount, but only if you plan it ahead of time. Photos cost extra, and if you want the discount, the same photo must appear on both days.

Once everything is submitted, you'll get a proof to review before it goes live. This shows the price and the dates it will run. It's important to check it carefully and report any mistakes quickly. After it's published, changes can't be made, so catching errors early matters.

Payments must be made in advance. You can pay by credit card over the phone or set up an electronic funds transfer. If you're not sure about anything, calling the obituary desk at 651-228-5263 is always a good idea. They can answer questions about deadlines, pricing, and the whole process.