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Appleton Post-Crescent Obituaries: A Comprehensive Guide to Honoring Loved Ones

In the tapestry of life, the passing of a loved one leaves an irreplaceable void. Honoring their memory through obituaries in the Appleton Post-Crescent newspaper provides a poignant and lasting tribute. This guide will navigate you through the process, offering step-by-step instructions and helpful insights.

Understanding Obituaries

Obituaries serve as a written memorial, providing details of a person's life, accomplishments, and relationships. They typically include:

Personal Information: Name, date of birth and death, age
Family Information: Spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, siblings
Life Story: A brief narrative highlighting significant events, milestones, and achievements
Service and Memorial Information: Date, time, and location of funeral, memorial service, or celebration of life
Expressions of Sympathy: Condolences, tributes, and messages from family and friends

Creating an Obituary

1. Gather Information:

Collect necessary details from family members, friends, and public records:

Personal Information: Name, birth and death dates, age, hometown
Family Information: Spouses, children, grandchildren, parents, siblings, significant others
Life Story: Key events, occupations, hobbies, interests, achievements
Service and Memorial Information: Date, time, and location of services

2. Write the Obituary:

Use the following guidelines when drafting the obituary:

Opening Statement: State the name and dates of the deceased, followed by a brief introduction.
Life Story: Provide a concise yet comprehensive narrative of their life, highlighting significant milestones and accomplishments.
Family Information: List surviving family members in chronological order, using their full names.
Service and Memorial Information: Include the date, time, and location of services, along with any special instructions.
Expressions of Sympathy: Invite readers to share condolences, tributes, or memorial donations.

3. Submit the Obituary:

Contact the Appleton Post-Crescent obituary department at 920-734-3333 or email obits@postcrescent.com. Follow their submission guidelines, including formatting requirements and payment details.

Tips for Writing a Meaningful Obituary

Be accurate: Verify all information carefully before submitting the obituary.
Be concise: Aim for a length of 200-300 words, focusing on the most important details.
Use vivid language: Engage readers with descriptive and emotionally evocative words.
Consider the tone: Obituaries should be respectful, dignified, and honor the memory of the deceased.
Proofread carefully: Ensure there are no errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation.

Table 1: Sample Obituary

Section	Example
Opening Statement	"John Smith, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2023, at the age of 82."
Life Story	"John was born on March 1, 1941, in Appleton, Wisconsin. He graduated from Appleton West High School and served his country in the United States Army. After his military service, John began a successful career as a sales manager at XYZ Company, where he remained for over 30 years. John was known for his dedication to his work, his unwavering optimism, and his infectious laugh."
Family Information	"He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Mary; his three children, Michael Smith, Patricia Smith Jones, and Jennifer Smith; his six grandchildren, Sarah, Emily, Andrew, Benjamin, Catherine, and Matthew; and his sister, Susan Smith Jones."
Service and Memorial Information	"A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 30, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, at Valley Funeral Home in Appleton. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Mary Catholic Church on Friday, March 31, at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society."
Expressions of Sympathy	"Please share your memories and condolences with the Smith family at [email protected]"

Preparing for the Obituary

1. Talk to Family and Friends:

Consult with family members and close friends to gather information and insights about the deceased. Discuss their life story, accomplishments, and family relationships.

2. Consider a Professional Obituary Writer:

If you are unable to write the obituary yourself, consider hiring a professional obituary writer. They can help you create a well-crafted and respectful tribute.

3. Pre-Plan Your Obituary:

Many people choose to pre-plan their obituaries to ensure their wishes are met. You can provide instructions to your family or a trusted friend on how you would like to be remembered.

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to publish an obituary in the Appleton Post-Crescent?

Obituary rates vary depending on the length and placement. Contact the obituary department for current pricing.

2. How long does it take for an obituary to be published?

Most obituaries are published within 24-48 hours after submission.

3. Can I add a photo to an obituary?

Yes, you can request to include a photo of the deceased for an additional fee.

4. Can I make changes to an obituary after it has been published?

Minor changes can be made, but it is important to inform the obituary department promptly.

5. Where can I find old obituaries from the Appleton Post-Crescent?

Old obituaries can be accessed through the newspaper's online archive or by visiting the library.

6. How can I write a tribute to a loved one who did not have an obituary published?

You can submit a tribute or memorial announcement to the Appleton Post-Crescent for a fee.

Table 2: Obituary Writing Tips

Tip	Explanation
Be brief but informative	Aim for a length of 200-300 words, focusing on the most important details.
Use descriptive language	Engage readers with vivid and evocative words that paint a picture of the deceased.
Avoid clichés