Obituary Form

Open with: “NAME, AGE, of RESIDENCE, died (passed away, went to heaven, joined the love of his/her life...) on DATE OF DEATH (cause of death optional).

Example: Doris Anderson, 92, of Crivitz, Wisconsin passed peacefully in her sleep on August 16, 2020. Doris was battling colon cancer and was surrounded by loved ones in her final moments.

Consider the personality of your loved one to influence the tone of their obituary. If Doris loved telling it like it is, reflect it in the writing as a tribute.

Example: If you knew Doris Anderson, chances are she offended you. Doris was a straight-shooter until her final breath on August 16, 2020 in her Crivitz home. She was a fiery 92 years young, but that didn’t stop her from making her male cancer nurse blush.

STEP 2.

PROCEED WITH BACKSTORY.

Continue with place of birth, date of birth, parents’ names including mother’s maiden name and any schooling and spouse/wedding details, if applicable.

Example: Doris was born in Houghton, Michigan on April 23, 1928 to parents Michael and Lucinda (nee Harrison) Flaherty. She completed schooling through the 11th grade before moving to Crivitz to help out on her uncle Pat’s dairy farm.

She married Oscar Anderson, her mail man, on the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Munising, Michigan. Oscar sent Doris 12 letters requesting a first date before she said “alright already.”

STEP 3.

CELEBRATE LIFE'S WORK.

Include employment highlights, favorite activities and any military involvement.

Example: Doris was never tied to any one job. She was a farm hand, seamstress and bus driver. Despite her extremely colorful vocabulary, she also volunteered to teach Sunday school. Doris and Oscar never had children of their own, but they collected neighbor kids and always had a house-full of cranky schnoodles.

STEP 4.

HONOR THE FAMILY LEGACY.

Continue with family details, including those who are still living and those who have preceded your loved one in death. Often family members’ partners’ names are included in parenthesis.

This section can get lengthy, so it’s okay to generalize if your family is large.

Example: Doris is survived by her loving husband, Oscar; her older brother, Landon (Susan) Flaherty; her younger sister, Sherri (Doug) Ericson; her nephews Matty (Nichole), Jacob, and Joey (Emily); her nieces Lily (Derrick) and Ruby (Pat); and many great nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; eldest brother Ralph (Evie) Flaherty; aunts and uncles; and 5 schnoodles: Paul Simon, Joplin, Bunker, Roach, and Fred.

STEP 5.

THANK OUTSTANDING PEOPLE.

Recognize anyone who was near and dear to your loved one, particularly in their final days. This can be an organization, healthcare worker, friend, or family member who went above and beyond.

Example: The family would like to thank Josie Elkhart for keeping Doris laughing through hospice and all the teachers and students of Crivitz Elementary School who made special visits and art projects.

STEP 6.

CONCLUDE ON SERVICE DETAILS AND SPECIAL TRIBUTES.

Example: Services will be held on Friday, August 21 at St. Mary Catholic Church on 808 Henriette Avenue in Crivitz from 11am-1pm. A special note from Oscar: “Doris’ favorite drink, a gibson with pickled onion, will be served from her collection of novelty coffee mugs. Parents with children who can read have been warned.”

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