Finding Obituaries in St. Paul: A Guide to the Pioneer Press and Beyond

Losing a loved one is a difficult experience, and finding their obituary can be an important part of the grieving process and celebrating their life. If you're searching for obituaries in St. Paul, Minnesota, this guide will provide you with the resources and strategies to help you in your search. We'll cover the primary sources, as well as some helpful tips and alternative methods.

The Pioneer Press: Your Primary Source for St. Paul Obituaries

The St. Paul Pioneer Press has long been the leading newspaper in the St. Paul area, making it the most likely place to find recently published obituaries. Their online obituary archive is a valuable resource, though access to older obituaries might require a subscription.

• How to Search: Visit the Pioneer Press website and navigate to their obituaries section. You can usually search by name, date of death, or other relevant criteria. Be sure to check different spelling variations if you're having trouble finding the obituary.
• Subscription Considerations: While many recent obituaries are freely accessible, older obituaries often require a digital subscription to view. Consider the cost and your need for access to older records before subscribing.
• Beyond the Website: Check the print edition of the Pioneer Press if you have access to it. Sometimes, obituaries are published in the print version before appearing online.

Expanding Your Search Beyond the Pioneer Press

While the Pioneer Press is a fantastic starting point, several other resources can help in your search for St. Paul obituaries:

• Legacy.com: This extensive online database indexes obituaries from newspapers across the country, including many from St. Paul. It's a great resource for expanding your search if you haven't found what you're looking for in the Pioneer Press. While some content is free, a subscription often grants access to a larger archive.
• Findagrave.com: This website focuses on cemetery and burial records. While it may not contain the full text of an obituary, it often includes details such as burial location and sometimes links to online memorials or associated obituary information. This is especially helpful if you know the deceased's burial place in St. Paul.
• Local Funeral Homes: Contacting funeral homes in St. Paul where the individual may have had services can be fruitful. They often maintain their own records, even if the obituary wasn't widely published. A phone call can yield valuable information.
• Family and Friends: Don't underestimate the power of asking family members and friends. They may have copies of the obituary or know where to find it.

Tips for a Successful Obituary Search

• Be Precise with Names and Dates: The more accurate your information about the deceased (full name, date of death, approximate age), the easier your search will be.
• Check for Variations in Spelling: Consider different spellings of the name, especially if it's an uncommon name or if you're unsure of the exact spelling.
• Use Multiple Search Engines: Don't rely on just one resource. Combining searches across the Pioneer Press, Legacy.com, and Findagrave.com increases your chances of success.
• Be Patient and Persistent: Finding an obituary can sometimes be time-consuming. Don't get discouraged if your initial searches don't yield results.

Conclusion

Finding obituaries in St. Paul can be accomplished through diligent searching using a combination of online and offline resources. Start with the St. Paul Pioneer Press, but remember to expand your search to other valuable databases and resources like Legacy.com and Findagrave.com. With patience and persistence, you'll be able to locate the obituary you're seeking and honor the memory of your loved one. Remember to reach out to family and friends; their help can often prove invaluable.