How to Write and Submit an Obituary for cjonline: A Practical Guide

Losing a loved one is never easy, and when it comes to honoring their life, writing an obituary can be a powerful way to commemorate their memory. Suppose you live in or around Topeka, Kansas. In that case, you may want to consider submitting your loved one’s obituary to cjonline, the online platform for the Topeka Capital-Journal, one of the area’s primary newspapers. The cjonline obituary section allows families and friends to pay tribute to the deceased, share funeral details, and express their grief publicly and meaningfully. This guide will walk you through the practical steps of writing and submitting an obituary for cjonline.

Why Submit an Obituary to cjonline?

Before diving into the specifics of how to write and submit an obituary, let’s first consider why you might want to submit one to cjonline. For many, an obituary is more than just an announcement of death—it’s a personal story that celebrates a life well-lived. Submitting an obituary to a well-respected, local publication like cjonline offers a few key benefits:

1. Public Announcement: It lets the wider community know about the death, especially for those who may not have been informed through other means.

2. Commemorate the Life: The obituary gives family and friends a chance to honor the deceased’s legacy, accomplishments, and unique personality.

3. Funeral Information: The obituary is a way to share funeral and memorial service details, helping loved ones attend and show support.

4. Archival Record: Submitting the obituary to cjonline ensures it is preserved for future reference, allowing loved ones to revisit it when they wish.

Now that we understand the importance of submitting an obituary, let’s look at the step-by-step process.

Step 1: Writing the Obituary

Before submitting the obituary to cjonline, you need to write it. While there is no “one-size-fits-all” format, most obituaries include similar components. Here’s a basic structure:

1. Full Name and Key Details

Start with the full name of the deceased, including any relevant titles (e.g., Dr., Reverend), nicknames, or maiden names. Then, include the date of death and any important details about the individual’s life, such as their age and where they lived.

Example:
“John Michael Davis, 72, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away on May 6, 2025.”

2. Personal Information

Include a brief background of the deceased, such as their place of birth, education, career, and family. This is where you can highlight the person’s life journey, accomplishments, and unique qualities.

Example:
“John was born on June 15, 1952, in Kansas City, Missouri. He graduated from the University of Kansas in 1974 with a degree in engineering and worked as a civil engineer for over 40 years.”

3. Family Information

Next, mention the surviving family members, including spouses, children, grandchildren, and siblings. This is also the place to mention those who predeceased the individual, such as parents or spouses.

Example:
“He is survived by his wife, Susan Davis; his children, Rachel (Tom) Peterson and Mark Davis; and his grandchildren, Emma and Jack Peterson.”

4. Contributions and Achievements

You can dedicate a section to describing the person’s contributions to their community, career, or personal hobbies. If they were involved in local organizations, charities, or other meaningful activities, make sure to mention these details.

Example:
“John was deeply involved in local youth sports programs and volunteered at the Topeka Community Shelter for over 25 years.”

5. Funeral and Memorial Details

This part provides information about the funeral or memorial service. Include the date, time, location, and any special requests (e.g., donations to a charity instead of flowers).

Example:
“A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 13, at Topeka Memorial Chapel. In place of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Heart Association.”

6. Closing Sentiment

End the obituary with a short, respectful closing, perhaps reflecting on the person’s impact or how they will be remembered.

Example:
“John will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. His kindness and generosity touched many lives.”

Step 2: Review Submission Guidelines

Before submitting the obituary to cjonline, make sure to review their submission guidelines. This will ensure that you comply with any formatting requirements and provide all necessary information. cjonline offers specific instructions regarding word count, submission deadlines, and formatting preferences, so carefully read through their website or contact the obituary department directly for guidance.

Step 3: Submit the Obituary to cjonline

Once the obituary is written, it’s time to submit it. Here are the practical steps to follow for submission to cjonline:

1. Visit the cjonline Obituary Section

Go to the cjonline obituary page on the Capital-Journal’s website. Most newspapers, including cjonline, allow families to submit obituaries online directly through their platform. Look for a “Submit an Obituary” or “Place an Obituary” link.

2. Complete the Online Form

You will likely be asked to complete a submission form. This form typically asks for personal details about the deceased, the content of the obituary, and your contact information. Ensure that you fill out the form completely and accurately.

3. Upload the Obituary

Once the form is complete, you will be asked to upload the written obituary. This can usually be done by copying and pasting the text into a provided box or uploading a document file.

4. Select Optional Features

Some online obituary services, including cjonline, offer additional features for a fee. This might include adding photos, video tributes, or other enhancements. Consider whether any of these options would be meaningful for your loved one’s obituary.

5. Review and Payment

Before finalizing your submission, review the obituary for any errors or typos. After that, if applicable, make any payment for the submission (obituaries are often a paid service). Ensure that you understand the costs involved, which can vary based on word count, additional services, and publication preferences.

6. Submit and Confirmation

Once everything is in order, submit the obituary. You will receive a confirmation email from cjonline with details about the publication. Make sure to keep a copy of this confirmation for your records.

Step 4: Post-Submission: What to Expect

After submitting the obituary, cjonline will publish it online, where it can be viewed by family, friends, and the general public. In most cases, the obituary will appear within a few days of submission.

You can also monitor the obituary to see if there are any comments or tributes left by others who knew the deceased. Additionally, if you opted to publish the obituary in the print edition of the newspaper, check the next issue to ensure it has been included.

Step 5: Alternatives and Other Considerations

If you’re unable to submit the obituary to cjonline for any reason, there are other options to consider. Local funeral homes often assist with obituary writing and submission, and they may have partnerships with cjonline or other publications. Additionally, many people choose to share obituaries on social media platforms or through other community channels.

Conclusion

Writing and submitting an obituary is a meaningful way to honor and celebrate the life of a loved one. By following these steps, you can create an obituary that reflects your loved one’s life and legacy, while also ensuring that family and friends are informed about the funeral or memorial details. With the help of cjonline, you can give your loved one a lasting tribute in the Topeka community. Whether you choose to submit your obituary online or through a funeral home, the process is straightforward and helps provide comfort and closure during a difficult time.

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