Free Tool

Obituary Structure Generator

Get a structured outline to help you write a meaningful obituary. Choose from traditional, narrative, or brief formats with helpful tips for each section.

TL;DR

Use this outline generator to structure an obituary. Traditional format covers: announcement, background, career, personal life, survivors, service info, and donations (300-500 words). Narrative style tells their story (400-700 words). Brief format covers essentials (75-150 words).

About This Tool

This tool provides structure and guidance only - it does not write the obituary for you. The goal is to help you organize your thoughts and ensure you cover important sections. Every obituary should be personal and reflect the unique individual being remembered.

Choose Obituary Style

Select a format that fits your needs

Traditional Obituary Outline

Estimated length: 275-465 words

Announcement

25-40 words

[Full Name], [age], of [City, State], passed away [peacefully/suddenly/after a long illness] on [Date] at [Location].

Tip: Include maiden name, nicknames in quotes

Background

40-60 words

[He/She] was born on [Date] in [City, State] to [Parents' Names]. [He/She] graduated from [School] and [College if applicable].

Tip: Set the foundation of their life story

Career & Achievements

50-75 words

[Full Name] worked as a [Profession] for [Company/Industry] for [X] years. [He/She] was known for [achievements, awards, contributions].

Tip: Focus on what they were proud of

Personal Life

50-100 words

[He/She] married [Spouse's Name] on [Date]. [His/Her] passions included [hobbies, interests]. [He/She] was a devoted [parent/grandparent] and active member of [church/community organizations].

Tip: Share what brought them joy

Survivors

50-100 words

[Full Name] is survived by [spouse]; children [names and spouses]; grandchildren [names]; and siblings [names]. [He/She] was preceded in death by [names].

Tip: List in order of relationship closeness

Service Information

40-60 words

A [funeral service/memorial service/celebration of life] will be held at [Time] on [Date] at [Location]. Visitation will be [details]. Interment will follow at [Cemetery].

Tip: Include address if location isn't well known

Memorial Donations

20-30 words

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to [Organization Name] at [Address or Website].

Tip: Choose causes meaningful to the deceased

Writing Tips

Gather Information First

Collect dates, names, and details before starting to write

Write from the Heart

Use your own voice; don't feel bound by formal language

Include Specific Details

Specific memories and traits are more meaningful than generic praise

Proofread Carefully

Check spelling of names, dates, and places multiple times

Get Input from Family

Others may remember important details you've forgotten

It's OK to Use Humor

If it reflects their personality, humor can celebrate their life

Frequently Asked Questions

Essential elements: full name (including maiden name), birth and death dates, place of death, surviving family members, funeral/memorial service details. Optional but common: life achievements, education, career, hobbies, charitable donations information, and a personal message.
There's no required length. Death notices are brief (50-100 words, just facts). Standard obituaries are 200-400 words. Feature obituaries can be 500-1,000+ words. Consider the publication costs and your desire to share their story.
Third person is traditional ('John Smith passed away...'). First person ('I lived a full life...') is increasingly popular for pre-written obituaries. Either is acceptable; choose what feels right for honoring the person.
You control what's included. Cause of death isn't required and is often omitted. Estranged family members can be excluded. Previous marriages can be mentioned or not. Focus on celebrating their life rather than explaining their death.
Yes, and many people do. Pre-written obituaries ensure accuracy, include important details only you know, and relieve your family of this task during grief. Store it with your other end-of-life documents.
A death notice is a brief announcement with basic facts: name, dates, and funeral information. An obituary is longer and tells the story of the person's life. Death notices are often free or low-cost; obituaries are priced by length.

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Helpful Articles

How to Write a Meaningful ObituaryObituary Examples