A funeral obituary program is one of the most important elements of a memorial service. It combines the obituary—a written tribute to the loved one’s life—with the structure of the service, ensuring attendees are both informed and comforted. More than just a guide, the obituary program becomes a keepsake, preserving the life story and legacy of the deceased for years to come. Creating a reusable funeral obituary program template allows families and professionals to design polished, meaningful programs quickly, even in times of grief. With guidance from the Funeral Program Site, anyone can create templates that balance organization, beauty, and heartfelt remembrance.
Why Obituary Programs Matter
The obituary is one of the most personal and enduring parts of any funeral program. It provides family and friends with a narrative of the deceased’s life, including milestones, accomplishments, relationships, and character traits. When combined with the program layout, it creates a holistic keepsake that:
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Informs: Shares the structure of the service with attendees.
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Honors: Pays tribute to the deceased through a thoughtful life story.
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Preserves: Serves as a permanent memento for family and friends.
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Connects: Provides context and memories for future generations.
For families, an obituary program ensures their loved one’s story is preserved in both words and design.
Step 1: Select the Format
Funeral obituary programs can be designed in several formats:
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Bifold Program (8.5" x 11" folded): The most common style, offering four panels for content.
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Trifold Program: Six panels, providing additional space for extended obituaries or photo collages.
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Booklet Program: Multiple pages, ideal for longer life stories, tributes, and numerous photos.
The chosen format depends on how much content the family wants to include.
Step 2: Set Up the Document
Using software such as Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Adobe InDesign, or Publisher:
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Page Size: Standard letter size works best.
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Margins: Keep margins at least 0.5 inches for print clarity.
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Guidelines: Add fold markers for bifold or trifold layouts.
This ensures the program is well-structured and ready for professional printing.
Step 3: Add Obituary Placeholder
The obituary is the heart of the program, so the template should include a designated placeholder for it. Typical obituary sections include:
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Basic Information: Name, birth and passing dates, location of birth and death.
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Life Story: Education, career, family, community involvement, and hobbies.
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Personal Traits: Words describing character, values, or faith.
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Survivors and Predeceased Family Members: Lists of relatives.
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Closing Statement: A final line of comfort or faith, often including a favorite quote or scripture.
Providing this placeholder ensures families have guidance when writing the obituary.
Step 4: Add Other Template Sections
In addition to the obituary, a complete program template should include placeholders for:
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Front Cover: Full name, portrait, and dates.
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Order of Service: Outline of the ceremony.
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Tributes: Notes or reflections from loved ones.
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Acknowledgments: Expressions of gratitude from the family.
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Back Cover: Closing poem, scripture, or repast details.
These elements make the program comprehensive and meaningful.
Step 5: Design for Readability and Elegance
Since obituaries often include long passages, readability is essential. Design tips include:
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Fonts: Use serif or sans serif fonts for body text; limit decorative fonts to headings.
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Photos: Incorporate one or two photos near the obituary to personalize the narrative.
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Spacing: Use adequate white space to avoid crowding text.
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Colors: Choose subtle tones that complement the service’s theme.
Professional templates from the Funeral Program Site are designed with these considerations in mind, ensuring both beauty and practicality.
Step 6: Save as a Reusable Template
When the template is complete, save it for reuse:
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Word: Save as
.dotx -
InDesign: Save as
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Google Docs: Create a master file for duplication
This allows funeral homes and families to easily update content for future services.
Step 7: Print or Share Digitally
Funeral obituary programs can be distributed both in print and digitally:
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Print: Use premium paper (28–32 lb text stock or 65–80 lb cover) for durability. Choose matte or satin finishes.
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Digital: Save as a PDF for sharing via email, text, or memorial websites.
Professional printing ensures the program’s obituary section is clear, polished, and lasting.
Personalization Options
Families can personalize obituary programs by adding:
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Collages of photos alongside the obituary.
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Poems, scriptures, or quotes reflecting the loved one’s values.
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Cultural or faith-based symbols.
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Handwritten notes or scanned letters.
These touches ensure the obituary feels authentic and heartfelt.
Final Thoughts
Creating a funeral obituary program template allows families to preserve their loved one’s story while simplifying the design process. With placeholders, elegant design, and durable printing, obituary programs become treasured keepsakes that capture both structure and emotion.
For expert templates and compassionate guidance, the Funeral Program Site remains the trusted resource. Its designs ensure every obituary program reflects love, dignity, and remembrance.
About the Author
Christi Anderson is the founder of The Funeral Program Site and an author dedicated to helping families create meaningful memorials. With years of experience in funeral stationery and personalized tributes, she has guided thousands of families through the process of honoring their loved ones with dignity. Explore her books and resources on her Amazon Author Page.
