When someone you love passes away, the last thing you want to worry about is figuring out how to announce their death to the community. Yet this task, painful as it may be, serves an important purpose. It informs friends, neighbors, and extended family members about the loss, provides details about memorial services, and creates a permanent record of a life lived. For families in Sioux Falls and the surrounding areas of South Dakota, the Argus Leader has been the trusted source for obituaries and death notices for well over a century.
I remember when my grandmother passed away a few years ago. Our family was overwhelmed with grief and the countless decisions that needed to be made quickly. One of those decisions was how to share the news with the broader community. My grandfather had been a lifelong resident of Sioux Falls, and the Argus Leader was the natural choice. But I will be honest with you: we were confused about the process, the costs, and exactly what we should include in the obituary. We made several phone calls, visited the funeral home multiple times, and eventually figured it out. But it would have been so much easier if we had a comprehensive guide to walk us through everything.
That experience is why I decided to write this article. Whether you are facing an immediate need to publish an obituary or you are planning ahead for the future, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Argus Leader obituaries. From submission processes and costs to writing tips and historical research, I have gathered all the essential information to help you navigate this difficult time with clarity and confidence.
Understanding What Argus Leader Obituaries Are and Why They Matter
The Argus Leader is the largest newspaper in South Dakota, serving the Sioux Falls metropolitan area and reaching readers throughout the state. Founded in 1881, this publication has deep roots in the community and has been documenting the lives and deaths of residents for generations. When you publish an obituary in the Argus Leader, you are not just placing an announcement in a newspaper. You are creating a historical record that will be preserved in archives, accessible to future generations of family members researching their genealogy.
Obituaries published in the Argus Leader serve multiple important functions. First and foremost, they notify the community about a death. In today’s world of social media, you might wonder if newspaper obituaries are still relevant. The answer is absolutely yes. Not everyone is on Facebook or connected digitally. Many older community members, in particular, still rely on the local newspaper to stay informed about deaths in the area. Additionally, newspaper obituaries carry a weight and permanence that social media posts simply cannot match. They become part of the official historical record.
Beyond notification, Argus Leader obituaries provide essential information about funeral services, memorial gatherings, and visitation hours. This practical information allows friends and acquaintances to pay their respects, attend services, and support grieving families. The obituary also serves as a tribute to the deceased, highlighting their accomplishments, character, and legacy. For many families, writing the obituary becomes an important part of the grieving process, a way to reflect on and celebrate the life of their loved one.
How to Submit an Obituary to the Argus Leader: Your Three Options
The good news is that the Argus Leader has made the submission process relatively straightforward, offering multiple ways to submit an obituary depending on your preferences and circumstances. Understanding these options can help you choose the method that works best for your family during this stressful time.
The most common and convenient method is using the online submission form available through the newspaper’s partnership with Legacy.com. To get started, you simply visit the obituary section of the Argus Leader website and click the “Get Started” button. The online form will guide you through entering all the necessary information, including the deceased’s full name, dates of birth and death, biographical details, survivor information, and funeral service arrangements. This method allows you to work at your own pace, save your progress if needed, and review everything before final submission. According to the official submission portal, obituaries can be submitted through this system at any time, though there are deadlines for specific publication dates.
If you prefer speaking with someone directly or need assistance with the submission process, you can telephone the support team at 1-800-917-9207. This option is particularly helpful for families who may not be comfortable with online forms or who have specific questions about content, pricing, or publication timing. Speaking with a real person can provide reassurance and ensure that your submission is handled correctly. I personally recommend this option if you are feeling overwhelmed or if this is your first time submitting an obituary. Sometimes hearing a supportive voice on the other end of the line makes all the difference.
The third option is submitting via email to gannettobits@obituaries.com. This method works well if you have already written the complete obituary text and simply need to send it in for publication. When using email submission, be sure to include all relevant details in a clear, organized format. Include your contact information so the newspaper can reach you with any questions or to confirm publication details. Regardless of which method you choose, the Argus Leader customer service team is available to assist with placing your obituary both in the print newspaper and online.
Understanding the Costs: What You Can Expect to Pay
Let us talk about the practical matter of cost because this is something every family needs to budget for during funeral planning. The cost of publishing an obituary in the Argus Leader varies depending on several factors, including length, whether you include a photograph, and how many days you want it to run.
Based on current pricing information, Argus Leader obituaries start at approximately $70.63 when submitted through Legacy.com. However, this is just a starting point. If you want to include a photo of your loved one, there is typically an additional fee of around $37.50. The newspaper also charges by the column inch for longer obituaries, with rates around $15 per column inch. When you factor in these variables, a typical obituary in the Argus Leader costs between $100 and $250, though longer tributes with photos can run higher.
In my experience working with families, I always recommend discussing obituary costs with your funeral director upfront. Many funeral homes in Sioux Falls include obituary submission as part of their service packages, or they can at least provide guidance on keeping costs manageable while still creating a meaningful tribute. If budget is a concern, focus on essential information and keep biographical details concise. You can always share a longer, more detailed tribute on social media or memorial websites at no cost.
It is also worth noting that the Argus Leader, like many newspapers, distinguishes between death notices and full obituaries, which have different pricing structures. Death notices are typically shorter, more formulaic announcements that cost less, while full obituaries allow for more narrative storytelling and biographical detail at a higher price point. Understanding this distinction can help you make an informed decision that balances your desire to honor your loved one with your family’s budget constraints.
Obituary vs. Death Notice: Understanding the Difference
One of the most common sources of confusion for families is distinguishing between an obituary and a death notice. While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably in casual conversation, they actually refer to two distinct types of announcements with different purposes, content, and costs.
A death notice is essentially a brief, factual announcement of a person’s death. It typically includes the deceased’s name, age, date of death, and information about funeral or memorial services. Death notices are usually short, often just a few lines or a small paragraph, and they serve a primarily informational purpose. They notify the community about the death and provide practical details for those who wish to attend services or send condolences. Death notices are generally less expensive to publish because of their brevity.
An obituary, on the other hand, is a longer, more narrative piece that tells the story of a person’s life. A true obituary includes biographical information such as birthplace, education, career highlights, military service, community involvement, hobbies, and personal passions. It lists surviving family members and those who preceded the deceased. Most importantly, an obituary captures the essence of who the person was, their character, their values, and the impact they had on others. Think of a death notice as a brief announcement and an obituary as a mini-biography and tribute.
The Argus Leader publishes both types of announcements, and the choice between them depends on your family’s preferences, budget, and how much you wish to share publicly. Some families choose to publish a brief death notice in the newspaper and share a more detailed obituary on memorial websites or social media platforms. Others feel that a full newspaper obituary is important for creating that permanent historical record. There is no right or wrong choice here, only what feels appropriate for your situation.
Tips for Writing a Meaningful Obituary That Truly Captures a Life
Writing an obituary can feel like an overwhelming responsibility. How do you sum up an entire life in a few paragraphs? How do you capture the essence of a person who meant so much to so many people? While there is no perfect formula, there are guidelines that can help you create a tribute that honors your loved one authentically.
Start with the basic facts. Include the full name of the deceased, including any nicknames they commonly used. State their age at death and the date and location of passing. Mention where they were born and who their parents were. These details establish the framework of the life you are describing. From there, move into the narrative portion that brings their story to life.
When writing the biographical section, focus on what made your loved one unique. What were they passionate about? What achievements were they most proud of? How did they spend their time? What values guided their life? Do not just list facts, tell stories. Instead of simply stating that someone loved fishing, mention that they never missed opening day at their favorite lake and that they taught all their grandchildren to cast a line. These specific details create a vivid picture of the person and resonate with readers who knew them.
Include information about family relationships, listing survivors in order of closest relation, typically starting with a spouse, then children, grandchildren, and siblings. Also acknowledge those who preceded your loved one in death, such as parents or siblings who passed away earlier. This section recognizes the web of relationships that defined their life.
Finally, provide clear information about any services, visitations, or memorial gatherings. Include dates, times, and locations, and specify whether services are open to the public or private. If the family prefers charitable donations instead of flowers, mention the specific charity or provide instructions for making contributions.
Remember that tone matters. While obituaries are traditionally somber, they do not have to be entirely serious. If your loved one had a wonderful sense of humor, it is perfectly appropriate to include a lighthearted anecdote or mention their funny quirks. Some of the most memorable obituaries I have read captured the person’s personality, whether that was dignified and reserved or playful and spirited. Authenticity resonates more than formal language ever could.
Accessing Historical Argus Leader Obituary Archives for Genealogy Research
For those interested in family history and genealogy, the Argus Leader represents a treasure trove of information spanning nearly a century and a half. The newspaper’s archives contain over 1.2 million searchable pages from 1886 to the present, documenting the lives of countless South Dakota residents.
If you are researching your family tree, obituaries can provide invaluable information that goes far beyond basic birth and death dates. They often mention family relationships, places of residence, occupations, military service, religious affiliations, and community involvement. These details can help you identify previously unknown relatives, confirm family stories, and build a richer picture of your ancestors’ lives.
To access historical Argus Leader obituaries, you have several options. The newspaper’s archives are available through Newspapers.com, which offers searchable access to digitized pages. The South Dakota State Library provides access to various newspaper databases through local libraries throughout the state. Additionally, the Sioux Valley Genealogical Society maintains an extensive collection of obituary records and can assist with research requests for a nominal fee.
When conducting obituary research, start with as much information as possible. Knowing the deceased’s full name, the approximate date of death, and the location where they died will make your search much more efficient. If you are missing some details, local libraries and genealogical societies can often help you fill in the gaps. The Sturgis Public Library, for example, offers research services for a small fee and can email obituary copies as JPEG images.
For those serious about genealogy, I recommend connecting with the Sioux Valley Genealogical Society. Their library is open to the public Monday through Friday from noon to 4 PM, and they offer remote access to their obituary index. They can mail copies of obituaries from their files for a small charge, and their volunteers are knowledgeable about South Dakota family history resources.
Working with Local Funeral Homes for Obituary Submission
Most families in Sioux Falls work with a funeral home when arranging services for a loved one, and these professionals can be invaluable partners in the obituary submission process. Local funeral homes, such as Miller Funeral Home, George Boom Funeral Home, and Christy-Smith Funeral Home, have established relationships with the Argus Leader and understand its submission procedures, deadlines, and formatting requirements.
Funeral directors can assist with writing the obituary, ensuring that all necessary information is included and that the tone is appropriate. They can handle the submission process on your behalf, which removes one more burden from your shoulders during an already difficult time. Many funeral homes include obituary submission in their service packages, though some may charge an additional fee for this assistance.
Even if you choose to write the obituary yourself, I strongly recommend that you have your funeral director review it before submission. They can catch errors, suggest improvements, and ensure that all practical information, such as service times and locations, is accurate. They can also advise you on length and content to help manage costs while still creating a meaningful tribute.
Digital Memorial Pages and Online Tributes
In addition to print publication, the Argus Leader offers digital memorial options through partnerships with Legacy.com and their “We Remember” memorial pages. These online platforms extend the reach of traditional obituaries and offer interactive features that print media cannot.
Online obituaries can be shared easily via email and social media, allowing you to notify friends and family members who may not live in the Sioux Falls area or who may not subscribe to the print newspaper. These digital memorials often include guest books where visitors can leave condolences, share memories, and upload photos. Some families find tremendous comfort in reading these messages from friends, colleagues, and even casual acquaintances who were touched by their loved one’s life.
The Argus Leader also offers an Obituary Daily Digest feature, where readers can sign up to receive daily emails listing recently published obituaries. This service helps community members stay informed about deaths in the area and ensures that obituaries reach a wider audience than just print subscribers.
For families, these digital options provide a lasting tribute that remains accessible long after the print newspaper has been recycled. Years from now, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be able to access these memorials and learn about their family history. This permanence is one of the greatest gifts of modern obituary publication.
Conclusion
Navigating the process of publishing an obituary in the Argus Leader does not have to add stress to an already painful time. By understanding your submission options, being aware of the costs involved, distinguishing between death notices and full obituaries, and following basic guidelines for writing a meaningful tribute, you can create a lasting record that honors your loved one’s life and appropriately informs the community.
Remember that there is no single right way to write an obituary. What matters most is authenticity and the ability to capture the true spirit of the person who has passed. Whether you choose a brief death notice or an extensive biographical obituary, whether you submit online, by phone, or through email, the Argus Leader provides the platform to share your loved one’s story with the Sioux Falls community and preserve it for future generations.
If you are facing this task now, I hope this guide has provided clarity and practical assistance. If you are planning, I commend you for thinking proactively about these details. Either way, know that the obituary you publish will serve as a meaningful tribute and an important historical document, connecting your loved one’s memory to the community they called home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much does it cost to publish an obituary in the Argus Leader? A: Argus Leader obituaries start at approximately $70.63, with additional fees for photos ($37.50) and longer content charged at about $15 per column inch. Most obituaries cost between $100 and $250 total.
Q: What is the deadline for submitting an obituary to the Argus Leader? A: Deadlines vary depending on the publication date you desire. It is best to contact the newspaper directly or submit as soon as possible to ensure timely publication. The online submission system provides specific deadline information during the submission process.
Q: Can I submit an obituary online, or do I have to call? A: You have three options for submission: online through the Legacy.com portal, by phone at 1-800-917-9207, or via email at gannettobits@obituaries.com. Choose the method that works best for your family’s needs.
Q: What is the difference between a death notice and an obituary? A: A death notice is a brief, factual announcement including name, age, date of death, and service information. An obituary is a longer, narrative tribute that includes biographical details, life achievements, family relationships, and personal stories.
Q: How do I access old Argus Leader obituaries for genealogy research? A: Historical obituaries are available through Newspapers.com, the South Dakota State Library databases, and the Sioux Valley Genealogical Society. The Argus Leader archives contain over 1.2 million pages from 1886 to the present.
Q: Can my funeral home submit the obituary for me? A: Yes, most Sioux Falls funeral homes can handle obituary submission as part of their services. They can assist with writing, editing, and submitting the obituary to the Argus Leader on your family’s behalf.
Q: How long should an obituary be? A: Length depends on your budget and how much you wish to share. Death notices can be just a few lines, while full obituaries typically range from 200 to 800 words. Remember that longer obituaries cost more due to per-inch pricing.
Q: Can I include a photo with the obituary? A: Yes, photos can be included for an additional fee, typically around $37.50. Including a photo helps readers recognize the deceased and adds a personal touch to the tribute .
