If you’ve recently lost a loved one, managing the logistics of funeral planning can feel overwhelming amid your grief. One task you may have to do is writing the obituary. Whether it’s going in a local newspaper or on a funeral home’s website, an obituary can be complicated and challenging to write. The tips below can help you respectfully memorialize your loved one.

Do:

Focus on the loved one’s legacy.

While it may seem that an obituary is for alerting others to your loved one’s passing, its primary focus should be their life instead of death. Mentioning hobbies, activities they enjoyed, proudest accomplishments, and role in family life can help you remember their enduring legacy. Considering aspects like if they were active in the community or if they loved to travel will help you provide meaningful information

Provide details about the funeral.

While the bulk of the obituary should be devoted to remembering the departed, there are details that you should always mention. These include the full name and age of the deceased, their residence, date, place, and cause of death. Also, include any details about the funeral, such as where to send flowers or donations.

Don’t:

Forget to proofread.

Before publishing the obituary, make sure it’s error-free. An error could be embarrassing to outright detrimental if the details are incorrect. Verify all the information you have and scan the document. Ask a friend or family member to look over it as well. They may catch any mistakes you overlooked.

Be embarrassed to ask for help.

Summarizing the life of a loved one is challenging, especially if their life overflowed with interests, accomplishments, and aspirations. If you’re struggling to fit all the details in, or you feel like you don’t know what to write, talk to a family member or close friend. Your time spent reminiscing their legacy can be a healing experience, and also help you write a meaningful tribute.

If you need help planning a burial in Sparta, WI, Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home is caring and compassionate. Since 1858, this funeral home has been offering memorial services, cremation options, and funeral pre-planning. To learn more about their services, visit them online or call (608) 269-6666 to speak with a director.