Free Online Guides to Finding Obituaries Without Cost

An obituary is a notice published in newspapers announcing someone's passing, highlighting their life achievements and memorial details. It provides a way for friends and family to honor their loved one's memory and offers comfort during mourning. Accessing obituaries online can be free and convenient, helping people connect with the past and find closure.

Offline Options

Local Newspapers
Most newspapers publish obituaries digitally and in print. Many retain digital archives for months, often up to half a year or more.

If you're unsure which newspaper served the deceased's hometown, websites like obituaries.com provide links to various local obituary pages nationwide.

Mennonite Archives
These archives contain obituaries of Mennonite community members dating back to 1884, making it easier to find free obituaries for individuals of Mennonite faith.

Public Libraries
Local libraries often keep copies of regional newspapers for weeks or months. For older obituaries, librarians can assist in searching microfilm archives, which house past newspaper editions. Remember to bring a pen and paper to take notes, as the microfilm cannot be checked out.

Churches also maintain extensive obituary records, some with millions of microfilm, fiche, and digital files, covering both recent and historical deaths. These records are generally accessible to the public.

Online databases like ancestry.com and legacy.com compile obituary records, along with other documents such as census data and ship manifests. They offer search options by name and location. Some, like ancestry.com, provide free trials; others require subscriptions. Simply enter the person's first name and region to find relevant obituaries in their archives.