How to write an obituary: tips and examples

An obituary serves as a final tribute to someone who has passed away. It captures the essence of their lives and provides a snapshot for those who knew them. Writing an obituary is both an emotional and an informative task that provides comfort to loved ones while sharing important details about the deceased.

This article is intended to guide you through writing an obituary that respectfully honors the memory of your loved one. By following these tips, you can create a meaningful tribute that helps friends and family remember the deceased with love and respect.

Obituary: definition and meaning

An obituary is a written death note that is often published in newspapers or online. Obituaries have significant cultural value worldwide. They serve as formal announcements and provide information about the deceased's life.

Obituaries play an important role in preserving the legacy and provide closure to grieving families. They help remember loved ones by sharing their achievements and contributions with the community. This practice ensures that the memory of the deceased lives on through respectful appreciation.

What should an obituary contain?

Writing an obituary includes some important details about the deceased. This helps friends and relatives remember the deceased respectfully. Here are the details that should be included in every obituary:

• Full name and age: Give the deceased's full name and indicate their age at the time of death. This makes for clear identification and helps loved ones remember who they were.
• Date and place of birth and death: Indicate the date and place of birth and the date and place of death. This information helps readers understand key moments in the deceased's life journey.
• Educational and career highlights: Describe key educational achievements and highlight key career milestones or contributions made during professional life. For example, mention notable awards or recognitions that add depth to this summary.
• Hobbies, Interests, and Successes: List hobbies or interests that have personally defined the deceased. Mention notable personal achievements or recognitions received by the deceased outside of work.
• Immediate and extended family: Name close family members, such as spouses, children, parents, and siblings — anyone who was important in the immediate environment. Where relevant, use anecdotes to illustrate where the deceased fits into the wider family dynamic.
• Details of funerals or memorial services: Provide information about funerals, including date, time, and location, along with specific instructions for attendees, whether private or public, dress code, etc.
• Special requests: Mention special requests from survivors regarding donations, flowers, or other forms of honor. Give a brief reason for the chosen charity to give a personal touch and show why a particular purpose was meaningful to the deceased.

Tips for writing an obituary

1. Gather basic information

Gather important details about the deceased's life. Make sure names, dates, and locations are accurate by using official documents such as birth certificates and IDs to verify details. This step is critical to creating a respectful and accurate obituary that honors the memory of your loved one.

2. Include important life events

Highlight important life events and milestones. Emphasize contributions to family, community, or work. Focus on accomplishments that the deceased was most proud of or the most memorable. These may include significant birthdays, degrees, career advancements, or remarkable volunteer work. These details help to paint a more complete picture of their life path.

3. Mention family members

List surviving and deceased family members precisely. Be sure to spell names and relationships correctly. Add titles like “loved” to convey emotions and relationships. This helps readers understand the deceased's family connections and adds a personal touch to the obituary.

4. Details of the service

State the details of the funeral or funeral service clearly. Provide specific instructions for participants. If a virtual service is available, provide details about how to join. This ensures that everyone knows when and where they can pay their respects, whether in person or online.

5. Add personal touches

Include anecdotes or stories that reflect the deceased's personality. Use a tone of voice that fits their life and character. Ask family and friends for memorable stories or quotes that you can include. This personal touch makes the obituary more meaningful and comprehensible and helps loved ones remember the unique aspects of their lives.

6. Proofreading and editing

Review the obituary carefully for errors. Ask family members for their opinions to ensure completeness and accuracy. Read the obituary aloud to watch for unfortunate wording or missing details. By taking this step, you ensure that everything is accurate and respectful and that the deceased is properly honored.

Examples of obituaries in Germany

Example of a traditional obituary

Johann Schmidt passed away peacefully in Berlin on March 5, 2023 at the age of 82. He was born on April 12, 1940 in Munich as the son of Hans and Greta Schmidt. Johann leaves behind his beloved wife Helga, to whom he was married for 60 years; his children Klaus and Ingrid; his grandchildren Lisa and Paul; and his sister Erika. He was a dedicated engineer at Siemens for over four decades. The funeral service will take place on March 10 at 12:00 in St. Peter's Church. Donations can be made to the German Cancer Society instead of flowers.

In addition to the basic information described above, this format usually also includes sections for education and work experience.

Personalized obituary example

Maria Schmidt, born on April 5, 1950 in Berlin, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2023. Mary was a beloved mother to Anna and Mark and an esteemed grandmother of four grandchildren. Known for her love of gardening and baking, she often shared her homemade treats with neighbors. Her commitment as a nurse has touched many lives over the course of her 30-year career. Mary's warmth and generosity will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her.

Example of a short obituary

Leon Braun passed away peacefully in Berlin on October 5, 2023 at the age of 68. Leon was born in Hamburg on April 12, 1955 and was a dedicated teacher and loving father. He leaves behind his wife Jane and their two children. A private funeral service takes place in the family home.

This short obituary focuses on essential information such as name, dates of birth and death, important relationships, and basic details about the funeral service. It provides a concise summary while maintaining respect for the deceased's life.

conclusion

Writing an obituary is a meaningful task that serves as a final tribute to someone who has passed away. She captures the essentials of life and gives loved ones comfort by sharing important details about the deceased. Obituaries have high cultural value as they preserve the legacy and provide closure to grieving families. They help remember loved ones by highlighting their successes, contributions, and relationships.

When writing an obituary, it is important to include some important details such as full name, age, birth and death dates, educational and career highlights, hobbies, interests, achievements, and information about the immediate and extended family. In addition, providing details about funerals or memorials and special requests ensures that friends and family know how to pay their respects.

Adding personal details, such as anecdotes and stories, that reflect the deceased's personality makes the obituary more meaningful and familiar. Collecting contributions from family members and carefully proofreading the obituary helps ensure accuracy and respect.

By following these guidelines, you can write a meaningful obituary that honors the memory of your loved one and helps friends and family remember the deceased with love and respect.

FAQ

What information should be included in an obituary?

An obituary should include essential elements such as the deceased's full name, age, date and place of birth, and the date and place of death. It should also include important life events such as education and career highlights.

How do you write a meaningful obituary?

To write a meaningful obituary, include personal details and meaningful details that reflect the deceased's unique character. Including anecdotes or stories can make it more memorable.

Can you give examples of well-written obituaries?

For inspiration on how to create your own, check out our sample section, where we present various styles, including traditional, personalized, and short obituaries.

What are common mistakes to avoid when writing an obituary?

Common mistakes to avoid when writing an obituary include incorrect information, excessive length or detail, and lack of personal details or meaningful anecdotes. Other mistakes include using technical jargon or overly technical language. It is important to keep the obituary accessible by avoiding these errors so that all readers can easily understand it.