The Pioneer Press has introduced comprehensive guidelines for submitting obituaries, focusing on accuracy and respect in memorialising loved ones.
Pioneer Press Offers Detailed Guidelines for Placing Obituaries
Saint Paul, Minnesota – The Pioneer Press has set forth a comprehensive process for the submission and placement of obituaries, aimed at ensuring accuracy and dignity in the commemoration of loved ones. These guidelines are designed to streamline the submission process and ensure clarity for those wishing to immortalise the memory of their deceased family members or friends in the publication.
Submission Process and Requirements:
Individuals interested in placing an obituary in the Pioneer Press are required to initiate the process by emailing the necessary details to [email protected]. Key information to be included in the submission is the full name and contact details of the person placing the obituary, as well as the name of the deceased. Additionally, a detailed obituary text and an accompanying photo, preferably in a JPEG or PDF format, are to be submitted. Other file types such as TIF are accepted, with assurances of follow-up should any issues arise with the photographs.
A critical part of the procedure is the verification of the death. The Pioneer Press mandates contacting the responsible funeral home or cremation society for confirmation. If the deceased’s body has been donated to academic programs like the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program, verification through the respective institution is required. Alternatively, a death certificate may suffice for verification purposes.
Publication Policies:
Once the submission is complete, a proof of the obituary notice will be faxed or emailed back to the submitter for review. This proof includes the content, pricing, and the scheduled run dates for the notice. It is crucial that any corrections be communicated before the notice’s publication, as errors identified post-publication will not be the responsibility of Pioneer Press.
A permanent online presence for all obituaries is maintained on TwinCities.com, including an online guestbook feature. However, this can be removed upon request by contacting the obituary desk.
Payment and Pricing:
Payment is required before publication and is accepted through several channels: Credit card payments must be made via phone, EFT (check by phone) requires bank routing and account numbers, and cash can be paid in person at the Pioneer Press front counter during weekdays. The pricing structure begins at a minimum of $162 for the first 10 lines, with subsequent lines incurring additional costs. The use of photos incurs a separate charge of $125 per photo per day.
Deadlines and Contacts:
Deadlines are strictly enforced to manage publication schedules effectively. Monday through Friday submissions for next day publications must be completed by 4:30 PM, while weekend submissions have specific timings depending on the day the notice is intended to be published.
For those seeking to place memorial advertisements—distinct from obituaries—the process also lies with the Pioneer Press but follows a separate rate and submission guideline. For more detailed assistance or information, the memoriam team can be contacted via [email protected].
The Pioneer Press aims to support grieving families by providing a respectful and clear avenue for sharing obituaries, ensuring that the memory of their loved ones is honoured in a manner befitting their lives.
Source: Noah Wire Services


