mpls star tribune obit

2 min read 25-12-2024

Finding Obituaries in the Star Tribune: A Guide

The Star Tribune, Minnesota's largest newspaper, provides a valuable resource for those searching for obituaries of loved ones or researching family history. However, navigating their online obituary archive can sometimes be challenging. This guide will walk you through the process of effectively searching for obituaries in the Star Tribune.

Accessing the Star Tribune Obituary Archive

The most straightforward way to access the Star Tribune's obituary archive is through their official website. While they don't always have a dedicated "obituaries" section on the main page, a simple Google search for "Star Tribune obituaries" usually leads directly to the correct page or a relevant search result.

Once on the correct page (the link may change over time), you'll likely find a search bar. This is where you'll input your search terms.

Effective Search Strategies for Star Tribune Obituaries

Finding the obituary you need depends on the information you have available. Here are some effective search strategies:

Full Name: The most reliable method is using the deceased person's full name, including their middle name if known. This reduces the chance of finding irrelevant results.
Partial Name: If you only know part of the name, try searching with the known portion. The search function may provide suggestions or related results.
Date of Death (or Date of Service): If you know the approximate date of death or the date of the funeral service, include this information in your search. This significantly narrows down the results.
Location: Including the deceased's city or county of residence can be helpful, especially if the name is common.
Age (Approximate): Providing an approximate age range can help refine your search, particularly if you have multiple individuals with the same name.

Tips for Successful Searches

Use Quotes: For more precise searches, enclose the full name in quotation marks ("John Doe"). This will only return results containing the exact phrase.
Try Different Spellings: If you're unsure of the spelling of a name, try variations. Minor spelling errors are common in older records.
Check for Nicknames or Maiden Names: If you only know a nickname or maiden name, include that information in your search.
Be Patient: The database may take a few moments to process your search, especially if you're using multiple search criteria.
Explore Related Links: The Star Tribune's website may contain links to other resources, such as funeral home websites, which might have additional information or obituaries.

What to Do if You Can't Find an Obituary

If you've exhausted all search options and still haven't found the obituary you're looking for, consider these options:

Contact the Funeral Home: The funeral home that handled the arrangements likely has a record of the obituary.
Check Local Libraries: Libraries often maintain archives of local newspapers, including obituaries.
Use Genealogy Websites: Websites like Ancestry.com or MyHeritage may have indexed obituaries from the Star Tribune and other sources.

Beyond the Star Tribune

Remember, the Star Tribune isn't the only source for obituaries. Local funeral homes often publish obituaries on their websites, and many obituary aggregator websites compile information from various sources. Don't limit your search to the Star Tribune alone if you're having difficulty finding what you need.

Finding obituaries can be a time-consuming process, but with a systematic approach and the right search strategies, you'll increase your chances of success. Remember to be patient and persistent in your search, and use a combination of resources to maximize your chances of finding the information you seek.