Funeral Acknowledgement Templates (for Newspapers and Websites)

Funeral acknowledgement is a message of gratitude dedicated to people who have showed support and condolences in a funeral. It’s typically published after the funeral, in the newspaper, on a website, or in a condolence card. 

In this post, we will guide you through the process of writing a public acknowledgement of a funeral for newspapers or websites. We will provide two templates that you can use as a guide and adjust to fit your specific needs.  

Whether you’re a family member looking to express your gratitude or a funeral home director looking to help families during this difficult time, this post will provide the information and resources you may need.

What is funeral acknowledgement?

A funeral acknowledgement is a message of gratitude and appreciation that is typically written by the family of the deceased and published in a newspaper or on a website, to thank friends, family, and other loved ones for their support, condolences and presence during a funeral service. It can also be a message that expresses gratitude for the people who helped with the funeral arrangements, the flowers, the cards and the kind words of sympathy. 

The acknowledgement is a way for the family to honor and remember their loved one, to express their appreciation for the support and love shown during this difficult time, and to inform the community of the passing of their loved one. 

It is an important part of the grieving process and helps the family to feel supported and comforted during this difficult time.

Common form of funeral acknowledgement

There are a few options for publishing the acknowledgement:

1. In the newspaper: Many families choose to place an acknowledgement in the local newspaper. This is a traditional way to reach a large audience and inform the community of the passing of their loved one.
2. On a website: Some families choose to publish an acknowledgement on a website or online memorial, as it allows for a wider audience to view the acknowledgement.
3. In a condolence card: Some families choose to include an acknowledgement in a condolence card that they mail to friends and family.

When to publish funeral acknowledgement?

Funeral acknowledgement is typically published after the funeral service has taken place. It is an opportunity for the family to express their gratitude and appreciation for the support and love shown during this difficult time.

There’s no specific time frame on when to publish a funeral acknowledgement. The family can decide to publish it after a week, a month, or even a year after the funeral service – when they are ready to communicate.

At the end of the day, it all depends on the family’s preference, and what they feel is most appropriate for them. 

People to thank in a funeral acknowledgement

Showing gratitude is a part of the grieving process. By listing out the people who have reached out and showed their help, support and love, the family will be able to have a sense of closure and peace.

Here are the people you may include in a funeral acknowledgement:

1. Family members
2. Friends
3. Colleagues
4. Neighbors
5. Religious leaders or members of the community
6. Members of a club or organization the deceased belonged to
7. Caregivers or healthcare professionals
8. The funeral home or mortuary staff
9. Anyone who provided support or condolences
10. Anyone who made donations or contributions in memory of the deceased

Funeral acknowledgement template (for newspaper or website)

Template #1 (long version)

Template #2 (short version)