CJOnline is the digital presence of The Topeka Capital-Journal, a prominent newspaper in Topeka, Kansas. Like many local news outlets, CJOnline offers an obituary section where families and friends can share the news of a loved one’s passing and celebrate their life. Obituaries published on CJOnline are a meaningful way to inform the community, honor the deceased, and provide important details about memorial services.

If you are considering submitting an obituary to CJOnline, this guide will help you understand the process, the significance of an obituary, and how to write and submit one effectively.

What Are CJOnline Obituaries?

CJOnline obituaries are digital tributes published on the website of The Topeka Capital-Journal. These obituaries typically include essential information such as the deceased person’s name, age, date of death, family members, funeral or memorial service details, and any special accomplishments or contributions that highlight the individual’s life.

Obituaries serve both as a way to announce a death and as a memorial for the deceased, allowing family and friends to reflect on their legacy. They also offer an opportunity for the community to extend condolences and show support to the family during a time of grief.

Why Submit an Obituary to CJOnline?

There are several benefits to submitting an obituary to CJOnline:

1. Public Announcement: The obituary provides an official announcement of death, informing a wider community of the individual’s passing, especially for those who may not have been in close contact.

2. Tribute and Legacy: An obituary is a way to honor the life of the deceased by sharing their achievements, passions, and contributions to society.

3. Funeral or Memorial Service Information: Including details about upcoming services helps people know when and where they can attend to pay their respects.

4. Access and Convenience: Since CJOnline is accessible via the web, families can easily share the obituary with others, whether they live nearby or far away.

5. Archival Record: The obituary is saved in the digital archive of the publication, allowing people to revisit it for years to come. It acts as an enduring tribute.

How to Write an Obituary for CJOnline

Writing an obituary can feel overwhelming during a difficult time, but it is ultimately a way to celebrate and remember a loved one. Here is a breakdown of the key components to include when writing an obituary for CJOnline.

1. Basic Information

Start with the full name of the deceased (including any maiden names or nicknames) and the date of death. Include the age at the time of passing and the place of death, if relevant.

Example:
“Jane Margaret Thompson, 83, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2025, at her home.”

2. Biographical Details

Include the person’s birth date, place of birth, and significant life events, such as education, career, marriage, and important milestones. This section paints a picture of the individual’s life and character.

Example:
“Jane was born on January 25, 1942, in Wichita, Kansas, to Harold and Grace Thompson. She graduated from Washburn University in 1964 and worked as a teacher for 30 years.”

3. Family Information

List surviving family members, such as children, grandchildren, and siblings, as well as those who preceded the deceased in death. Be sure to mention important family relationships.

Example:
“Jane is survived by her husband, Robert Thompson; her children, Michael (Sarah) Thompson and Laura (James) Davis; and four grandchildren.”

4. Personal Contributions

This is a place to highlight any community involvement, hobbies, or other aspects of the person’s life that shaped their identity. These personal touches help bring the obituary to life and offer a deeper look at who they were.

Example:
“Jane was passionate about gardening and was an active member of the Topeka Garden Club for over 20 years. She was also a volunteer at the Topeka Public Library.”

5. Service Details

If there will be a memorial service, funeral, or celebration of life, provide the date, time, and location. You may also wish to include any special requests, such as donations instead of flowers.

Example:
“A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, May 15, at Topeka Memorial Chapel. Instead of flowers, the family requests donations to the Topeka Food Bank.”

6. Closing Thoughts

End the obituary with a final message that reflects the impact the deceased had on others. This can be a sentiment of gratitude or a heartfelt expression of love.

Example:
“Jane will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her kindness, wisdom, and generosity will never be forgotten.”

How to Submit an Obituary to CJOnline

Once you’ve written the obituary, the next step is submitting it to CJOnline. Below are the general steps for submission:

1. Visit the CJOnline Obituary Section

To begin the submission process, go to the cjonline obituary section on the Topeka Capital-Journal website. Look for links such as “Submit an Obituary” or “Place an Obituary” on the site.

2. Complete the Submission Form

CJOnline typically provides an online form that asks for details about the deceased person, the obituary text, and your contact information. Fill out the required fields with accurate information.

3. Upload the Obituary

In the online form, you may be asked to paste the text of the obituary or upload it as a document. Ensure the text is formatted correctly and that there are no errors.

4. Select Additional Options

CJOnline offers optional services such as adding photographs or publishing in the print edition of the newspaper. You can choose these options based on your preference and the family’s wishes.

5. Review and Payment

Review the obituary for accuracy. Afterward, if there are any fees associated with the submission (obituaries are typically a paid service), you will be prompted to make a payment. The cost often depends on the length of the obituary, additional services, and whether it’s published in print or online.

6. Submit the Obituary

Once everything is complete, submit the obituary. You will usually receive a confirmation email that your submission has been received. Be sure to keep a copy of the confirmation for your records.

What to Expect After Submission

Once your obituary is submitted to CJOnline, it will be reviewed and published online. Depending on the publication schedule, it may be published within a day or two. If you’ve chosen to have it appear in the print edition of The Topeka Capital-Journal, it may be published in the next edition.

Additionally, CJOnline provides a space for people to leave comments, share memories, and send condolences, allowing others to express their support for the family.

Conclusion

Submitting an obituary to CJOnline is a meaningful way to honor the life of a loved one and share important details with the community. By following the outlined steps—writing a thoughtful obituary, following submission guidelines, and reviewing the publication process—you can ensure that the memory of your loved one is preserved in the local community. CJOnline provides a valuable platform for families to celebrate lives, connect with others, and offer support in times of loss.

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