How to Write an Obituary: Free Templates & Guide
Writing an obituary for someone you love is one of the most meaningful things you can do during a difficult time. This free guide walks you through every step, with fill-in-the-blank templates you can copy and customize right away.
Important Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Last reviewed: April 13, 2026
Reviewed by
Linkora Editorial Team
Memorial care and tribute writing
Step-by-Step Guide
What to Include in an Obituary
An obituary serves as both a public announcement and a personal tribute. According to Legacy.com and the National Funeral Directors Association, a complete obituary typically covers these key elements.
Full Legal Name
Include first, middle, and last name. If applicable, include maiden name or any widely known nicknames.
Dates & Places
Date and place of birth, and date and place of passing. Include the city and state for each.
Survivors & Predeceased
List spouse or partner, children, siblings, parents, and grandchildren. Note those who preceded in death.
Education & Career
Schools attended, degrees earned, career highlights, professional accomplishments, and military service if applicable.
Hobbies & Passions
Interests, hobbies, volunteer work, faith community, clubs, and the things that brought them joy.
Service Details
Date, time, and location of the funeral, memorial, or celebration of life. Include visitation details if applicable.
Charitable Donations
If the family prefers donations in lieu of flowers, name the charity and include a link or address for contributions.
A Personal Touch
A favorite quote, a short anecdote, a characteristic phrase they always said, or a trait that everyone recognized.
The elements above are based on guidance from Legacy.com's obituary writing guide and the National Funeral Directors Association. Not every obituary needs to include all of these — use what feels right for your family.
Fill-in-the-Blank
Obituary Templates
Choose a template that fits your situation. Each one includes bracketed placeholders you can replace with your own details. Copy the template and customize it at your own pace.
General Template
A versatile template suitable for any loved one
[First Name] built a career in [profession/industry], where [he/she/they] was known for [professional accomplishment or reputation]. Outside of work, [he/she/they] was known for [characteristic traits — e.g., a warm smile, a generous spirit, a quick wit that could light up any room].
[He/She/They] enjoyed [hobbies and interests — e.g., tending the garden, weekend fishing trips, reading mystery novels, and cheering on the [Team Name]]. [First Name] was also deeply involved in [community or faith activities — e.g., volunteering at the local food bank, serving as a deacon at First Baptist Church].
[First Name] is survived by [his/her/their] [spouse/partner], [Spouse Name]; [children], [Children Names]; [siblings], [Sibling Names]; and [number] grandchildren. [He/She/They] was preceded in death by [names and relationships].
A [funeral service/celebration of life/memorial service] will be held on [Date] at [Time] at [Location, Address]. The family will receive visitors on [Visitation Date] from [Time] to [Time]. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to [Charity Name, with address or website].
[Optional: Include a favorite quote, scripture, or personal message — e.g., "As [First Name] always said, 'Never leave the house without telling someone you love them.'"]
How to use this template
Replace each [bracketed placeholder] with your own information. Where you see options separated by slashes (e.g., he/she/they), choose the one that applies. Delete any sections that are not relevant, and add details that feel important to your family.
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Helpful Advice
Writing Tips
These suggestions, drawn from AP Stylebook conventions and funeral industry best practices, can help you write an obituary that feels both polished and personal.
Write in the third person
Obituaries are traditionally written in the third person ("John was..." rather than "I was..."). This convention, recommended by the AP Stylebook, gives the obituary a dignified, newspaper-ready tone while still allowing warmth and personality.
Keep it between 200 and 500 words for newspaper publication
Most newspapers charge by the word or line, and many have length limits. A 200- to 500-word obituary provides enough space to honor your loved one without exceeding typical print guidelines. Online obituaries can be longer if you wish.
Include one specific story or trait
The details that make an obituary memorable are the small, specific ones: the way they hummed while cooking, their legendary apple pie, how they never missed a grandchild's game. One vivid detail says more than a list of adjectives.
Have a family member review before submission
Ask at least one other close family member to read the obituary before you finalize it. They may catch factual errors, remember a detail you missed, or have feelings about how something is worded. This also helps ensure everyone feels represented.
Consider who will be reading it
An obituary reaches a wide audience: close family, old friends, former coworkers, and community members. Write with that range in mind. Include enough context that even someone who hadn't seen your loved one in years can feel connected to the tribute.
It's okay to include humor if it reflects who they were
If your loved one was known for their wit, their practical jokes, or their favorite one-liner, it is entirely appropriate to let that shine through. An obituary that captures someone's sense of humor can be one of the most healing tributes of all.
An obituary captures a moment. A digital memorial preserves the whole story.
An obituary is read once and filed away. A Linkora digital memorial lives on — a place where family and friends can share photos, leave tributes, explore a timeline of milestones, and preserve family history for generations. Create one free at Linkora.
Create a Free MemorialSources & References
- [1]Legacy.com: How to Write an Obituary — Comprehensive obituary writing guide from the largest online obituary platform (accessed Apr 2026)
- [2]National Funeral Directors Association: Writing an Obituary — Professional guidance on obituary writing from the national association of funeral directors (accessed Apr 2026)
- [3]The Associated Press Stylebook — Industry-standard journalism conventions for obituary writing, including third-person usage and factual accuracy (accessed Apr 2026)
Linkora strives to provide accurate, up-to-date information sourced from credible institutions. If you believe any information is inaccurate or outdated, please contact us so we can review and correct it.
Preserve Their Full Story
An obituary shares the news. A Linkora memorial preserves the memories — photos, tributes, timelines, and family history that future generations can explore.
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