Obituary Template (Free)
An obituary template provides a structured format to help you write a meaningful tribute when words feel impossible to find. This guide includes free templates and step-by-step instructions for creating an obituary that honors your loved one while covering all the essential information.
Writing an obituary during grief can feel overwhelming. Having a clear template removes the guesswork and ensures you include everything readers need to know about funeral arrangements, the person’s life, and how to pay respects.
Basic Obituary Template
This template works for most situations. Fill in the brackets with your loved one’s information:
[Full Name], age [age], of [city, state], passed away peacefully on [date] at [location].
Born on [date] in [city, state], [he/she] was the [son/daughter] of [parents’ names].
[Brief description of life: career, education, hobbies, or defining characteristics in 2-3 sentences].
[Name] is survived by [list immediate family members with relationships]. [He/She] was preceded in death by [list deceased family members].
Funeral services will be held on [date] at [time] at [location]. Burial will follow at [cemetery name]. Visitation is [date/time] at [location].
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to [organization] or [memorial fund].
What Information to Include
Every obituary should contain certain essential details. This ensures readers have the practical information they need while learning about your loved one’s life.
Essential Information
- Full name and any nicknames
- Age and date of birth
- Date and location of death
- Immediate family members (survivors and predeceased)
- Funeral service details (date, time, location)
- Burial or cremation information
- Memorial donation suggestions
Personal Details to Consider
- Career or profession
- Military service
- Education
- Hobbies and interests
- Community involvement
- Religious affiliation
- Personality traits or memorable quotes
Extended Obituary Template
For a longer tribute, use this expanded format:
[Full Name], beloved [relationship terms like husband, father, grandfather], passed away on [date] at the age of [age].
[Name] was born on [date] in [city, state] to [parents’ names]. [He/She] grew up in [location] and graduated from [school] in [year].
[Name] served his country in [military branch] during [time period] and was stationed [location details if relevant].
[He/She] worked as [career description] for [number] years at [company/organization]. [Optional: brief description of work or achievements].
[Name] married [spouse’s name] on [date] in [location]. Together they raised [number] children and built a life centered on [values/activities/faith].
[He/She] enjoyed [hobbies/interests] and was known for [personality traits or memorable characteristics]. [Name] volunteered at [organizations] and was an active member of [community groups/church].
[Name] is survived by [detailed family list]. [He/She] was preceded in death by [list].
The family will receive friends on [date] from [time] to [time] at [location]. Funeral services will be held [date] at [time] at [location] with [officiant name] officiating. Interment will follow at [cemetery].
Memorial contributions may be made to [organization] at [address] or online at [website].
Tips for Writing an Obituary
Writing becomes easier when you approach it systematically. These guidelines help you create a tribute that feels authentic and complete.
Start with Basic Facts
Begin by gathering the essential information. This creates a foundation you can build on. Having dates, names, and service details written down first makes the personal sections feel less overwhelming.
Double-check all dates, spellings, and locations. Newspapers and funeral homes need accurate information for their death planning checklist requirements.
Choose Your Tone
Obituaries can be formal, conversational, or celebratory. Match the tone to how your loved one lived. Someone with a sense of humor might be honored with lighter language, while others call for more traditional phrasing.
Avoid euphemisms that confuse readers. “Passed away” is clear and gentle. “Lost his battle with cancer” gives useful context. “Went home to be with the Lord” works for religious families but may not resonate with all readers.
Focus on Relationships
People want to know how your loved one connected with others. Mention the devoted marriage, the coaching years, the Sunday dinners that brought everyone together. These details help readers remember and relate.
Sample Obituary
Here is how the template looks when completed:
Margaret “Maggie” Elizabeth Johnson, 78, of Springfield, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2024, surrounded by her family.
Born on June 3, 1945, in Cedar Falls, Iowa, she was the daughter of William and Dorothy Patterson.
Maggie worked as a registered nurse at Springfield General Hospital for 35 years, where she was known for her compassionate care and quick wit. She loved gardening, reading mystery novels, and spoiling her grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Robert Johnson; children Sarah Johnson-Miller (David) of Portland and Michael Johnson (Lisa) of Denver; and grandchildren Emma, Jake, and Sophie. She was preceded in death by her brother Thomas Patterson.
Funeral services will be held Friday, March 22, at 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church. Visitation is Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Morrison Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Springfield Food Bank or the American Cancer Society.
Where to Submit Your Obituary
Most families submit obituaries to local newspapers and funeral home websites. Many funeral directors handle newspaper submissions as part of their funeral planning services.
Online memorial sites also accept obituaries. These platforms often allow longer tributes and photo galleries without the space restrictions of print newspapers.
Social media obituaries reach different audiences than traditional media. Consider posting a shorter version on Facebook or other platforms where your loved one had connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should an obituary be?
Newspaper obituaries typically run 200-500 words due to space and cost constraints. Online obituaries can be longer. Focus on including essential information first, then add personal details as space allows.
Who should be listed as survivors?
Include immediate family members: spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, and siblings. Some families also list close friends who were like family. List people in order of relationship closeness, starting with spouse and children.
How much do obituaries cost?
Newspaper obituary costs vary by publication and length. Prices typically range from $200-800 for a standard obituary. Many newspapers charge by word count or column inch. Online obituaries are often free or low-cost.
Can I write an obituary before someone dies?
Yes, writing an obituary in advance can be helpful, especially during a long illness. This allows you to gather information and write thoughtfully without time pressure. Just remember to update dates and final details when needed.
What if the person had no funeral service?
You can still publish an obituary without funeral services. Instead of service details, mention “Private services were held” or “No services are planned at this time.” Focus more space on celebrating the person’s life and listing survivors.
Getting Help with Obituaries
If writing feels too difficult right now, that is completely understandable. Many funeral homes offer obituary writing assistance as part of their services.
Family members can also work together, with different people contributing memories and information. Sometimes having multiple perspectives creates a richer tribute.
When dealing with the first 24 hours after a death, obituary writing may need to wait. Focus on immediate needs first, then return to the obituary when you have more emotional capacity.
Professional writers and editors also offer obituary services if you prefer outside help. Local newspapers sometimes provide this service or can recommend freelance writers.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult qualified professionals for guidance specific to your situation.