Apfel Funeral Home - Harvard Obituaries

Welcome to Apfel Funeral Home - Harvard

Located at 225 Clay Avenue, Harvard, Nebraska, Apfel Funeral Home stands as a beacon of support for the local community during their times of need. The funeral home has become a trusted establishment for families seeking to honor and celebrate the lives of their loved ones. Known for its empathetic service and professional approach, the caring staff at Apfel Funeral Home - Harvard offers a compassionate hand through the difficult process of saying goodbye.

Our Compassionate Services

At Apfel Funeral Home, the services provided go beyond standard funeral arrangements. The experienced team understands that each family has unique needs and offers personalized services to reflect the life of the deceased. From traditional funeral services to more contemporary celebrations of life, the staff is prepared to accommodate a wide range of wishes and customs, ensuring that each service is as unique as the individual it honors.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Armando Mendoza Vargas - July 05, 1953 - March 26, 2021

Departed: 03/26/2021 ( Harvard)

Obituary Preview: Harvard resident, Armando Mendoza Vargas, 67, passed away Saturday, March 27, 2021 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha. Services will be Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at 12 noon at the Iglesia de Dios Ebenezer Hastings with Julio Carreto, officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, March 30, 2021 from 5 pm to 7 pm at the Apfel Funeral Chapel, Hastings. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery, Hastings. The service will be livestreamed from the Apfel Funeral Home facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ApfelFuneralHome. Apfel Funeral Home, Hastings is in care of the family.

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Harlan Fay Boyce - October 21, 1943 - March 08, 2021

Departed: 03/08/2021 ( Harvard)

Obituary Preview: Former Harvard resident, Harlan F. Boyce, 77, passed away Monday, March 8, 2021 at the Westfield Quality Care, Aurora, NE.

Graveside service will be Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 2 pm at the Harvard Cemetery, Harvard, NE with Pastor Dave Johnson officiating. There will be no visitation or book signing. Apfel Funeral Home, Harvard is in care of the family.

Memorials may be given to the family.

Harlan was born October 21, 1943 to Elwin and Mary (Kirby) in Ord, NE. He graduated from the Ord High School. Harlan married Linda Stevenson and together they had three children. Harlan and Linda later divorced. In 1986 Harlan moved to Harvard, NE and did custom grain hauling and trucking for local farmers, Hannebawm Grain and Aurora Coop.

Harlan enjoyed refurbishing antique machinery, listening to polka music, watching football and wrestling.

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Shirley Ann Engel - October 29, 1935 - February 26, 2021

Departed: 02/26/2021 ( Harvard)

Obituary Preview: Shirley A. Engel, 85, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away February 26th, 2021, at Brookside Retirement Community in Overbrook.

Shirley was born on October 29th, 1935, in Inland, NE to W.A. and Lillian (Brehm) McCune. She was raised in Harvard, NE and graduated from Harvard High School in 1953. She worked for Harvard State Bank, Harvard, NE for many years until they moved to Lawrence, KS in May of 1976. She then went to work for Douglas County Bank in Lawrence and retired from there in 1993.

In 1955, Shirley married Donald Lee Engel and the two celebrated 62 wonderful years of marriage. Shirley and Don moved to Lawrence, KS in 1976 when Don transferred to the Farmland Industries plant in Lawrence. In 1985, they moved to a farm in the Pomona, KS area. In 2010, Shirley and Don retired from the farm and moved to Lawrence to a townhouse that was part of a retirement community. They were blessed with good neighbors who became good friends who also were willing to help them whenever they were needed. Shirley became a resident of Brookside Retirement Community in June 2020 due to two falls at home – the first one resulting in a broken hip and the second one a broken shoulder.

Shirley had many talents including playing the piano and organ at the church in Harvard and was a member of the Bell Choir at the Methodist Church in Overbrook, KS. She was a member of Eastern Star in Harvard, Lions Club in Lawrence and a member of the United Methodist Church.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Don, her parents and her sister, Karen (McCune) Osborn. Survivors include four sons, Donald Jr. and wife Jeanie of Kearney, NE, Jerald and wife Barbara of Pomona, KS, Doug and wife Mary of Joplin, MO and Dennis and wife Brenda of Kansas City, MO. Nine grandchildren, Tyler Engel and wife Leslie, Tanner Engel and wife Cassi, Renae Mitchell and husband Casey, Jamie Agius and husband Joe, Doug Engel Jr. and wife Ellen, Brandon Engel, Ashlynn Engel, Matthew Perez-Engel and Lauren Perez-Engel. Twenty great grandchildren Savannah, Camden, Marin, Lucy, Nolan, Landry, Selah, Lainy, Libby, Londyn, Dax, Micah, Jake, John, Trent, Alex, Audrey, Nora, Emma and Sadie. Above all, Shirley valued the time spent with her family, especially watching her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren progress through the stages of their lives.

Funeral services will be at the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence, KS on Thursday, March 4th, 2021, at 2 pm with visitation following the service. The service will be viewable via Facebook LIVE on the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home Facebook page immediately prior to the service.

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Mike Nelson - May 25, 1954 - February 07, 2021

Departed: 02/07/2021 ( Harvard)

Obituary Preview: It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the passing of beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend Michael Nelson. Following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease and then the coronavirus, Michael passed away on Sunday, February 7th at the age of 66. Family and friends can take some comfort knowing that Michael passed surrounded by several members of his family.

Born to parents Donald and Zona Nelson, Michael grew up with his brother Marv Nelson on the family farm outside of Harvard, Nebraska. After attending high school there, Michael attended Kearney State College and then returned to Harvard to raise his family and farm with his brother. Later in life Michael would also reside in Texas and on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi.

Michael will be lovingly remembered by his brother Marv, his children Adam (Carly), Amber, Amanda (Josh), Libby (Justin), Bruce and Tiffany, and his grandchildren Chloe, Calvin, Jaxon, Arya, Elora, Camden, Kieran and Jayla. Michael will also be missed and remembered fondly by extended family and friends too numerous to mention.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, which has affected so many, the family has chosen not to hold public services at this time. The family plans to hold a memorial and celebration of Michael’s life at a later date and will announce details once all who would like to attend can do so safely. Michael will be laid to rest at the Harvard Cemetery and Apfel Funeral Home of Hastings is in care of the family.

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Barbara K. Patrick - November 18, 1939 - July 24, 2019

Departed: 07/24/2019 ( Harvard)

Obituary Preview: Harvard resident Barbara Patrick, 79 passed away Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at Mary Lanning Memorial HealthCare, Hastings.

Memorial service will be Saturday, July 27, 2019 at 11 am at the Harvard First United Methodist Church, Harvard with Pastor Buck Linton-Hendrick officiating. There will be no visitation, Barbara’s wishes were to be cremated. Burial will be at a later date in the Harvard Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family from www.apfelfuneralhome.com. Apfel Funeral Home, Harvard is in care of the family.

Memorials may be given to the Red Bird Mission, Epworth Village or the St. Joseph’s Indian School.

Barbara was born November 18, 1939, to Bertram T. and Fredrica J. (Primrose) Christensen in St. Paul, NE. She graduated from high school in 1957 in Fremont, NE. She attended 2 years of college at Hastings College and Mary Lanning School of Radiologic Technology in Hastings. After completing college, she became a teacher for MLMH school of Radiologic School of Technology. She married James Patrick on February 6, 1960 in Fremont, NE. Barbara became a homemaker after marriage. She was a trainer for Limited Scope Operator employed by Mary Lanning HeathCare.

She was a member of the Harvard First United Methodist Church, Glendale Club, “Evening Believers” A.R.R.T. Association, Afternoon Bible Study Circle, J.O.Y. Club, Methodist Youth Fellowship. Barbara was a Sunday School Teacher. Her faith was very important to her. Barbara enjoyed spending time with her family, bible studies, reading, sewing, gardening, traveling, camping and she loved to cook.

She is survived by her husband, James of Harvard, children, Toni Patrick of York, Jamie (Tod) Dikeman of Ogallala and J. Todd (Jodi) Patrick of Farmington, Connecticut, 7 grandchildren, Christopher (Amanda) Patrick, Derek Dikeman, Joshua (Nichole) Patrick, Ian Dikeman, Seth Dikeman, Alyssa Patrick and Luke Patrick, 3 great grandchildren, Valerie Patrick, Celeste Patrick and Connor Patrick. 2 siblings, Richard (Dianne) Christensen, and Linda (Wendell) Heyen, “adopted” daughter, Dana (James) Nance, “adopted” grandchild, Srikanth (Paige) Kola and nieces and nephews.

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Barbara Jean Tarr - March 09, 1933 - July 22, 2019

Departed: 07/22/2019 ( Harvard)

Obituary Preview: Harvard resident, Barbara Jean Tarr, 86, passed away Monday, July 22, 2019 at Mary Lanning Memorial HealthCare, Hastings.

Services will be Monday, July 29, 2019 at 2 pm at the Harvard United Church of Christ with Pastor Dave Johnson officiating. Visitation will be Sunday, July 28, 2019 from 4 pm to 6 pm at the Harvard United Church of Christ. Burial with military rites will be in the Harvard Cemetery, Harvard. Apfel Funeral Home, Harvard is in care of the family. Condolences may be sent to the family from www.apfelfuneralhome.com.

Memorials may be given to the family.

Barbara was born March 9, 1933 to Stewart and Edna (Lamphear) Dale in Little Rock, Arkansas. She graduated high school in Omaha. She served in the United States Army in nursing from March 9, 1951 to March 30, 1953. While in the military she met her first husband, John Demler. With this union they had two children Dea and Mark. The couple divorced a few years later. Barbara married Ross M. Tarr on September 25, 1965 in Omaha, NE together they had two children Michael and Patrick. Ross passed away September 14th, 1985. Barbara was a homemaker.

Barbara enjoyed sewing, playing bingo, gardening, and tending to her flower beds. She most enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She loved her cat “Pretty Boy” and other animals.

She is survived by her four children, Dea (Tom) Hamburger of Harvard, Mark Demler of Omaha, Michael (Karen) Tarr of Council Bluffs, Iowa and Patrick Tarr of York. 14 grandchildren and 22 Great Grandchildren, 1 sister, Jodi Osborne of Iowa.

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Shirley F. Woodward - August 22, 1929 - April 29, 2019

Departed: 04/29/2019 ( Harvard)

Obituary Preview: Shirley Faye Woodward, 89, of Harvard, Nebraska died Monday April 29, 2019 at Memorial Hospital in Aurora, Nebraska.

Funeral services will be held Monday, May 6, 2019 at 10:30 AM at the Harvard United Church of Christ, with Pastor Dave Johnson officiating. Burial will be at First Evangelical Cemetery northwest of Harvard. Visitation will be Sunday May 5 from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm with family greeting friends from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the church.

Memorials may be given to the Harvard United Church of Christ. Condolences may be sent to the family from www.apfelfuneralhome.com.

Shirley was born August 22, 1929 at the family farm near Harvard, Ne to Elmer and Faye (Miller) Bieck. She had an older brother Orville and a younger sister Dorothy. She graduated from Harvard High School in 1947.

She was married on February 2, 1948 to Chester J Woodward at the family farm North of Harvard. To this union 4 children were born Charlotte, Duane, Bonnie, and Connie.

She worked as a nurse aide in her younger years and later worked in the school cafeteria, becoming the head cook. She loved quilting, gardening, canning, and feeding the birds. She especially enjoyed hearing stories about her great grandchildren. She was involved in the American Legion, VFW, Quilters Guild, and the UCC church.

Survivors include Son Duane Woodward and his wife Sharon, three daughters Charlotte Madden and her husband Bill, Bonnie Campbell and her husband Leonard, Connie Ayer and husband Lloyd and adopted daughter Kim (Mihm) Emil and her husband Craig. Grandchildren include Paul Woodward and his wife Nicole, Brenda (Woodward) Densmore and her husband Mike. Tim Madden and his wife Angie, Travis Madden and his wife Becky, and Tasha (Madden) Zdan. Roxanna Campbell and her fiancé Brandon Byrnes, and Leonie (Campbell) Price and her husband Shawn. Heather (Ayer) Ashley and her fiancé Todd Kwiecinski, and Tanner Ayer and his wife Brianna. Natasha, Richard, and Rex Emil. She is also survived by 19 great grandchildren a sister Dorothy Nicholson and sisters-in-law Marge Bieck and Darlene Woodward and many nieces and nephews .

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LaVonne "Bonnie" Beverly Fitzke - October 02, 1936 - December 16, 2018

Departed: 12/16/2018 ( Harvard)

Obituary Preview: Harvard resident, LaVonne Beverly “Bonnie” (Rath) Fitzke, 82, passed away Sunday, December 16, 2018 at Mary Lanning Memorial HealthCare.

Services will be Thursday, December 20, 2018 at 10 am at the First United Methodist Church, Harvard with Dorothy Aspegren officiating. Burial will be in the Harvard Cemetery, Harvard. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at 5-8pm at the First United Methodist Church, Harvard. Apfel Funeral Home, Harvard is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family from www.apfelfuneralhome.com.

Memorials may be given to the family to designate at a later date.

Bonnie was born October 2, 1936 to Howard and Martha (Tessman) Rath in Sutton, NE. She graduated from Harvard High School in 1954. She attended Beauty School in Hastings and was a Beautician in Harvard until her marriage. She married Larry Fitzke on July 28, 1956 in Harvard. Bonnie was a farm wife and a fantastic cook. Bonnie worked in the Village Shoppe, and Etherton Grocery Store in Harvard and Herbergers in Hastings. Bonnie enjoyed watching her sons and grandchildren’s sporting events.

She was a member of Harvard First Methodist Church, the VFW, Aurora Country Club, PEO and Grand Island Saddle Club.

She is survived by five sons; Russ (Peggy) Fitzke of Imperial, Randy (Debra) Fitzke of Clay Center, Ron (Beth) Fitzke of Harvard, Roger (Carrie) Fitzke of Seward, and Robb (Sonja) Fitzke of Waco, TX; 7 grandsons, 6 granddaughters, and 11 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

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James (Red) A. Hendrickson - July 05, 1926 - December 07, 2018

Departed: 12/07/2018 ( Harvard)

Obituary Preview: Harvard resident, James (Red) A. Hendrickson, 92 passed away Friday, December 7, 2018 at Mary Lanning Memorial HealthCare, Hastings.

Services will be Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at 10:30 am at the United Church Of Christ, Harvard, NE with Pastor Dave Johnson officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 11, 2018 from 2 pm to 7 pm at the United Church of Christ, Harvard. Burial will be in the Doniphan Cedar View Cemetery, Doniphan, NE at 2 pm. Apfel Funeral Home, Harvard is in care of the family. Condolences may be sent to the family from www.apfelfuneralhome.com.

Memorials may be given to Mary Lanning Hospice or the Harvard VFW.

Red was born July 5, 1926 to Carl and Hazel (Morgan) Hendrickson in Harvard, NE. He attended Doniphan Public Schools. He served in the United States Army from September 26, 1944 to October 9, 1948 during WWII and the Korean Conflict. He married Jeanette Sadd on February 18, 1950 in Hastings, NE. He worked at the Sherman Service Center as a mechanic retiring in 1988.

Red had a strong love for family and spending time with them. He enjoyed camping, fishing and working on anything with a motor. He continued to work on lawn motors, cars ect for friends, family and neighbors until diagnosed with Leukemia October of 2018.

He was a member of the United Church of Christ and the VFW Club both in Harvard.

Those left to cherish his memory are, wife, Jeanette of Harvard, four daughters, Jeanine (Jim) Wright of Lincoln, Deb (Mike) Verbeck of Harvard, Denise (Danny) Marshall of Harvard and Jody (Bill) Hitesman of Juniata, two sons, Doug (Barbe) Hendrickson of Glenvil and Mike (Kim) Hendrickson of Hastings, 18 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren, 2 sisters, Susan Whitaker and Nadine Moore both of Doniphan.

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Burnell M. Aspegren - August 22, 1927 - March 24, 2018

Departed: 03/24/2018 ( Harvard)

Obituary Preview: Harvard resident, Burnell M. Aspegren, 90, passed away Saturday, March 24, 2018 at the Harvard Rest Haven, Harvard, Nebraska.

Funeral Services will be Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at 10am at Harvard United Church of Christ with Pastor Dave Johnson officiating. Burial will be at Harvard Cemetery with Military Rites. Visitation will be from 5-7pm on Monday, April 2, 2018 at the church with family present. Memorials are suggested to the Harvard United Church of Christ or Harvard Rest Haven.

Burnell was born on August 22, 1927 at Saronville, NE to Melvin and Leona (Barker) Aspegren. He grew up in Saronville and graduated from Sutton High School in 1945. He worked at Bethphage Misson in Axtell where he met Barbara Hanson. He served in the United States Army from 1950-1952 and served in the Korean War. He was united in marriage to Barbara on July 5, 1953 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Holdrege. They farmed and made their home in the Harvard area their entire life.

He was a member of Harvard United Church of Christ, serving on the church council for many years, the American Legion, the VFW, and the Harvard Rod and Gun Club. Burnell loved building things in the shop for the farm and the home and spending time with his family. Later in life he enjoyed traveling on bus tours with Barbara across the United States.

Burnell is preceded in death by his parents, wife; Barbara, granddaughter; Chelsea Akset. Brothers; Arnold Aspegren, and Percy Aspegren, and sister; Joan Clevin.

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Spirit of Community Care

The funeral home is deeply rooted in the Harvard community. A commitment to offering comfort to neighbors and friends during their heaviest moments is what sets Apfel Funeral Home apart. The staff goes the extra mile to provide aid, not just through funeral services but also by supporting the community during grief through resources, counseling, and support groups.

Planning and Pre-Planning Assistance

Understanding that planning a funeral can be a daunting task, the thoughtful staff at Apfel Funeral Home are experts at guiding families through the planning process. Additionally, they offer pre-planning services which can provide peace of mind for individuals who wish to make their final arrangements in advance. This thoughtful service allows you to outline your wishes, relieving your loved ones from the burden of making decisions during a period of mourning.

Memorialization Options

Apfel Funeral Home provides a variety of options for memorializing your loved one. From crafting the perfect obituary to selecting a lasting memorial that can serve as a place for loved ones to gather and reflect for years to come, the staff dedicates themselves to creating the most fitting tribute. Whether you prefer burial or cremation services, the funeral home offers a range of products including caskets, urns, and grave markers that can suit various preferences and budgets.

Celebrating Life with Dignified Facilities

The facilities of Apfel Funeral Home in Harvard are designed to offer a serene and respectable environment for families and friends to gather. The funeral home features visitation rooms, a chapel for services, and reception areas for after-service gatherings. The home ensures that every space provides the dignity and respect that the occasion necessitates, with an atmosphere conducive to reflection and healing.

A Trusted Advisor in Difficult Times

Staff members at Apfel Funeral Home are more than service providers; they are advisors who help navigate the complexities of funeral arrangements and legal requirements. They can assist with paperwork, such as death certificates and insurance claims, and offer recommendations for florists, officiants, and other services. In times of overwhelming emotions, having a knowledgeable advisor can make all the difference.

Reaching Out for Support

The team at Apfel Funeral Home knows the importance of communication, especially during tough times. That's why they encourage anyone in need of advice, to handle immediate arrangements, or to begin pre-planning, to reach out to them. They are available to answer questions, provide information, and offer comfort. It is their honor to assist the Harvard community and uphold their commitment to caring for families with the utmost respect and empathy.

In summary, Apfel Funeral Home - Harvard serves as a pillar of compassion and professionalism in the heart of Harvard, Nebraska. The thoughtful services, community-oriented staff, and warm, dignified facilities make it a place where families can feel supported and at peace during life's most challenging moments. The team's dedication to personalization and care ensures that each farewell is a true celebration of the life it honors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice of a person's death, typically published in a newspaper or online. It serves as a way to inform the community of the passing and to celebrate the life of the deceased, often including a brief biography, information about the funeral or memorial services, and the surviving family members.

Why is it important to write an obituary?

Writing an obituary is important because it helps friends, acquaintances, and the community remember and honor the person who has passed. It also provides necessary information about funeral arrangements and allows those who cannot attend a chance to express their condolences.

Who is responsible for writing an obituary?

Typically, a close family member is responsible for writing an obituary. However, in some cases, a funeral home, a friend, or a professional writer hired by the family may undertake the task.

How do you write a good obituary?

A good obituary is respectful and highlights the key points of the deceased's life, including their personal and professional achievements, the family they leave behind, and any funeral or memorial service details. It should also reflect the personality of the deceased and may include anecdotes or quotes from loved ones.

What information is typically included in an obituary?

An obituary usually includes the deceased's full name, age, date of birth and death, a short biography, details about their family, funeral or memorial service information, and sometimes, a request for donations to a charity in lieu of flowers.

Are obituaries public records?

While obituaries themselves are not public records, they are typically published in public spaces such as newspapers and online memorial sites, making them accessible to the public.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary. In printed newspapers, it may be brief due to space limitations, usually around 200-500 words. Online obituaries can be longer, allowing for more detailed accounts of the deceased's life and accomplishments.

Can an obituary be too long?

An obituary can be too long if it includes unnecessary details or becomes difficult for readers to follow. It's important to balance brevity with enough information to thoughtfully honor the deceased's life.

What makes an obituary memorable?

An obituary is memorable when it captures the essence of the person's life, shares unique characteristics or stories, and connects with readers on an emotional level. It should be heartfelt and genuine.

Is there a difference between an obituary and a death notice?

Yes, a death notice is typically shorter and just states the facts of death and service information. An obituary is more detailed and includes a biography of the deceased's life, family information, and often a photo.

How quickly should an obituary be published after a death?

An obituary should be published as soon as practical, ideally within a few days after death, to allow sufficient time to inform the community and for people to make arrangements to attend services.

Where should an obituary be published?

An obituary can be published in local newspapers, online obituary websites, social media platforms, and at the funeral home's website. This makes sure it reaches as broad an audience as possible.

Should an obituary include the cause of death?

Including the cause of death is a personal choice. It is not required and is dependent on the family's wishes. Some families choose to include this information, especially if they feel it may prevent rumors or misunderstandings.

Can an obituary be updated after it's been published?

Updates to an online obituary can usually be made relatively easily. However, once a printed obituary is published, it cannot be changed. For corrections in print, the family might opt to publish a new, revised notice.

What if I can't afford to publish an obituary in the newspaper?

If cost is a concern, consider publishing the obituary online through social media or a free obituary website. Some funeral homes also provide space for obituaries on their websites at no cost.

How can I personalize an obituary?

To personalize an obituary, include unique details such as the deceased's hobbies, passions, or sayings they were known for. Adding a favorite poem, quotations, or anecdotes can also reflect the individual's character.

Is it necessary to include a photograph in an obituary?

While not necessary, including a photograph can make an obituary more personal and help readers to recognize and remember the deceased. It often serves as a visual tribute.

How do I handle writing an obituary for a sensitive situation, such as a death of a child or a public figure?

In sensitive situations, it's important to be extra considerate with your words. Aim to capture the essence of the person's life no matter how short, and be respectful of their legacy and the feelings of the family and community.

Should condolences or remembrances be included in an obituary?

While an obituary usually does not contain condolences, it often invites readers to share their remembrances and sympathies with the family, sometimes directing them to an online guestbook or memorial page.

Are there legal requirements for writing an obituary?

There are no legal requirements for writing or publishing an obituary. It is a voluntary action taken by the family to honor their loved one. However, some information such as funeral service details should be accurate and agreed upon by those involved.

How do I start writing an obituary for a loved one?

To start writing an obituary, gather all the factual information you'll need like full name, dates of birth and death, family member's names, etc. Then, think about what made the person unique—special memories, achievements, or characteristics—and begin with a draft focusing on celebrating the life lived.