Losing a loved one is never easy, but publishing an obituary in CJOnline obituaries (the digital platform of the Topeka Capital-Journal) provides a meaningful way to celebrate their life while informing the community. Whether you’re looking to announce a passing, share funeral details, or create a lasting memorial, this guide will walk you through practical steps for submitting, writing, and optimizing an obituary on CJOnline.
Why Publish an Obituary on CJOnline?
CJOnline obituaries offer a modern, accessible, and permanent way to honor the deceased. Unlike traditional print obituaries, CJOnline provides:
✅ Digital permanence – Obituaries remain online indefinitely, allowing future generations to find them.
✅ Broader reach – Online obituaries are easily shared via social media and email.
✅ Interactive features – Friends and family can leave condolences in the digital guestbook.
✅ AI-assisted writing – CJOnline offers tools to help draft or refine obituaries for those struggling with the process.
How to Submit an Obituary to CJOnline
Step 1: Gather Essential Information
Before writing, collect the following details:
✔ Full name (including maiden name if applicable)
✔ Date of birth and date of death
✔ Place of residence (e.g., “Topeka, KS”)
✔ Surviving family members (spouse, children, siblings)
✔ Predeceased relatives (if relevant)
✔ Funeral or memorial service details (date, time, location)
✔ Preferred charities for donations (optional)
Step 2: Write the Obituary
A well-structured obituary typically includes:
1. Announcement of Death
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Example: “John Michael Smith, 78, of Topeka, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2025, surrounded by family.”
2. Biographical Summary
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Career, education, military service, hobbies, and community involvement.
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Example: “A retired teacher from Topeka High School, John was an avid fisherman and devoted volunteer at the Topeka Rescue Mission.”
3. Surviving Family Members
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List immediate family, grandchildren, and close relatives.
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Example: “He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary; his children, David (Lisa) and Sarah (Mark); and four grandchildren.”
4. Funeral or Memorial Details
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Include visitation, service times, and burial location.
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Example: *”A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on May 15 at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, with visitation one hour prior.”*
5. Closing Tribute
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A final heartfelt message.
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Example: “John will be remembered for his kindness, humor, and unwavering love for his family.”
Pro Tip: Use CJOnline’s AI obituary assistant if you need help structuring the tribute.
Tips for Writing a Meaningful Obituary
✔ Keep It Personal
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Avoid generic phrases like “He will be missed.” Instead, use:
“A devoted father and lifelong Jayhawks fan, Tom never missed a KU basketball game.”
✔ Include a Photo
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A high-quality image makes the obituary more engaging.
✔ Mention Charitable Donations
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Example: “Instead of flowers, donations may be made to the Topeka Humane Society.”
✔ Proofread Carefully
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Errors in names or dates can confuse attendees.
Maximizing CJOnline’s Obituary Features
1. Digital Guestbook
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Allows friends to leave condolences and share memories.
2. Social Media Sharing
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Families can broadcast the obituary via Facebook, Twitter, or email.
3. Long-Term Memorialization
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Obituaries remain searchable online, preserving legacies for years.
Handling Grief & Finding Support
Beyond the obituary, CJOnline connects families with resources:
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Virtual memorials – Host online remembrance events for distant relatives.
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Grief support – Some funeral homes (like Penwell-Gabel) offer year-long bereavement emails.
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Community tributes – Encourage friends to share stories in the guestbook.
Final Thoughts: Preserving Legacies with CJOnline Obituaries
A CJOnline obituary is more than an announcement—it’s a lasting tribute that honors a life well-lived. Following these steps, you can create a meaningful, personalized memorial while leveraging CJOnline’s digital tools for broader reach.