Free obituary templates

Obituary templates you can use right now

Browse fill-in-the-blank obituary templates, switch to examples, and start writing from the one that fits best. Free to use, no account required to start.

Fill-in-the-blank obituary templates

Short obituary template

A simple notice for newspapers, funeral homes, or a brief online memorial.

Best for: Use this when you need something clear, respectful, and concise.

[Full name], age [age], of [city, state], passed away on [date]. [He/She/They] was born on [birth date] in [birthplace] to [parents].

[Name] will be remembered for [quality, interest, role, or favorite tradition]. [He/She/They] is survived by [close family] and was preceded in death by [predeceased family, if desired].

A [funeral/memorial/celebration of life/private service] will be held on [date] at [time] at [location]. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to [organization].

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Life story obituary template

A fuller obituary that tells the story of a person’s life, values, and impact.

Best for: Use this when you want the obituary to feel personal and complete.

[Full name] passed away on [date] at the age of [age]. Born in [birthplace] on [birth date], [name] grew up [brief childhood detail] and carried those early lessons throughout [his/her/their] life.

Over the years, [he/she/they] built a life centered on [family, faith, work, service, creativity, community]. [Name] was known for [qualities] and found joy in [hobbies, traditions, or favorite places].

[He/She/They] leaves behind [survivors] and was preceded in death by [predeceased family]. Family and friends are invited to gather on [service details]. [Name]’s legacy of [legacy] will continue in the lives of all who loved [him/her/them].

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Traditional obituary template

A classic structure with family, biography, service details, and memorial information.

Best for: Use this for a formal obituary suitable for newspapers and funeral home websites.

[Full name], [age], passed away on [date] in [place of death]. [He/She/They] was born on [birth date] in [birthplace] to [parents].

[Name] graduated from [school] and worked as [career]. [He/She/They] married [spouse] on [date], and together they [family or life detail]. [Name] was active in [church, organizations, military service, or community groups] and enjoyed [hobbies].

[Name] is survived by [survivors] and was preceded in death by [predeceased family]. Visitation will be held [visitation details], followed by [funeral/memorial] services at [service details]. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to [organization or memorial fund].

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Memorial obituary template

A gentle tribute for a memorial page, printed program, or celebration announcement.

Best for: Use this when the focus is remembrance rather than formal biographical detail.

In loving memory of [full name], who passed away on [date]. [Name] brought [qualities] into the lives of everyone who knew [him/her/them].

[He/She/They] loved [interests, people, traditions, or places] and will be remembered most for [specific memory, phrase, or legacy]. [Name]’s family and friends will carry forward [his/her/their] spirit through [meaningful action or value].

A memorial gathering will be held [service details]. Those who wish to honor [name] may [make a donation, share a memory, send flowers, or attend the service].

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Celebration of life obituary template

A warm, uplifting format for honoring a joyful life and inviting people to gather.

Best for: Use this when the service will be more personal, informal, or celebratory.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of [full name], who passed away on [date]. [Name] lived with [qualities] and filled [his/her/their] days with [passions, work, family, community].

Those who knew [name] will remember [favorite traits, sayings, traditions, or memories]. [He/She/They] had a way of [specific impact] and made people feel [emotional impact].

Please join us for a celebration of life on [date] at [time] at [location]. Guests are encouraged to [wear, bring, share, or remember]. In [name]’s honor, the family invites you to [donation, memory-sharing, or closing request].

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Obituary template for a father

A tribute focused on love, guidance, family, and the steady role a father played.

Best for: Use this to honor a dad, stepfather, grandfather, or father figure.

With deep love, we announce the passing of [full name], a devoted father, [grandfather/partner/friend], who passed away on [date]. [Name] was born on [birth date] in [birthplace].

He taught his family the value of [values] and showed love through [actions, traditions, or daily habits]. He will be remembered for [qualities] and the way he [specific impact on family or community].

He is survived by [family] and was preceded in death by [predeceased family]. Services will be held [details]. His family will carry his memory forward through the lessons, stories, and love he gave so generously.

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Obituary template for a mother

A caring format for honoring a mother’s love, strength, and daily presence.

Best for: Use this for a mother, stepmother, grandmother, or maternal figure.

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of [full name], a beloved mother, [grandmother/partner/sister/friend], who died on [date]. Born on [birth date] in [birthplace], [name] built a life full of [family, faith, work, service, creativity].

She gave generously through [specific ways she cared]. Her family will remember her [qualities, traditions, sayings, or favorite things] and the way she made people feel [emotional impact].

She is survived by [family] and was preceded in death by [predeceased family]. A service will be held [details]. Her love remains a guiding presence for all who knew her.

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Veteran obituary template

A respectful format that includes military service, family, and civilian life.

Best for: Use this when honoring someone who served in the armed forces.

[Full name], [rank/branch if desired], passed away on [date] at the age of [age]. Born in [birthplace] on [birth date], [name] served in the [branch] from [years] and was proud to [service detail, deployment, unit, or role].

After military service, [he/she/they] [career, family, community, or volunteer work]. [Name] will be remembered for [qualities] and commitment to [values].

[Name] is survived by [survivors] and was preceded in death by [predeceased family]. Services with military honors will be held [details]. In remembrance, donations may be made to [veterans organization or memorial fund].

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Sudden death obituary template

A careful template for unexpected loss, with gentle language and no pressure to explain too much.

Best for: Use this when a death was sudden, traumatic, or private.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of [full name] on [date]. [Name] was [age] and deeply loved by [family and community].

[He/She/They] will be remembered for [qualities], [passions], and the many ways [he/she/they] made others feel [impact]. The family asks for privacy and compassion during this difficult time.

A service to honor [name]’s life will be held [details, or “at a later date”]. Those who wish to support the family may [share memories, donate to a memorial fund, or follow another request].

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Turn the obituary into memorial stationery

Once the obituary is written, you can reuse the same details in a funeral program, prayer card, invitation, or thank you card.

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Obituary template FAQ

Can I use these obituary templates for free?

Yes. The templates are free to use, and the FuneralFolio obituary writer is free to start.

How long should an obituary be?

A short obituary may be 100 to 200 words. A fuller life story obituary is often 300 to 700 words, depending on where it will be published.

Do I have to mention the cause of death?

No. You can include it, use gentle wording, or leave it private. A simple phrase like “passed away unexpectedly” is enough if that feels right.