Free Obituary Templates
A blank page is the hardest part. These five free obituary templates give you a gentle starting point — just fill in the bracketed details and adjust the wording until it sounds like the person you love. Each one fits a different situation, so use the one that feels right.
1. Traditional obituary template
The standard format for a full newspaper or online obituary. It covers the announcement, a short life story, surviving family, and service details.
[Full name], [age], of [city, state], passed away [peacefully/ unexpectedly] on [date], [at home / at location], [surrounded by family].
[First name] was born on [date] in [city, state] to [parents' names]. [He/She/They] [education, career, and a few defining milestones]. [First name] was known for [a passion, trait, or the way they loved people], and [one specific, personal detail that captures who they were].
[First name] is survived by [spouse], [children and their spouses], [grandchildren], and [siblings]. [He/She/They] was preceded in death by [names].
A [funeral / memorial service] will be held on [date] at [time] at [location]. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to [charity].
2. Short obituary / death notice template
A brief, just-the-facts version — ideal for a paid newspaper notice where every line costs money.
[Full name], [age], of [city], passed away on [date]. [He/She/They] is survived by [closest family]. A [service type] will be held [date] at [time] at [location]. [Memorial / donation note, if any].
3. Celebration of life template
A warmer, less formal tone that focuses on joy and personality rather than just the facts.
We celebrate the beautiful life of [full name], who left us on [date] at the age of [age]. [First name] lived [a word that describes them — fiercely, joyfully, generously], and everyone who knew [him/her/them] felt it.
[First name] loved [hobbies, passions, the small everyday things]. [He/ She/They] could [a specific, charming detail], and was never happier than when [a favorite moment or activity].
[First name] leaves behind [family and loved ones], and a great many friends who became family. Join us to share stories and celebrate [his/ her/their] life on [date] at [time] at [location].
4. Religious obituary template
For when faith was central to the person's life. Adapt the wording to your family's tradition.
[Full name], [age], of [city, state], was called home to the Lord on [date]. [He/She/They] faced the end of [his/her/their] earthly life with the same faith that guided every day of it.
A devoted member of [church/congregation], [first name] [served, worshiped, or gave] [details of their faith life]. [He/She/They] is survived by [family] and is now reunited with [names of those who preceded them].
A [funeral Mass / memorial service] will be celebrated on [date] at [time] at [place of worship]. The family finds comfort in the promise of eternal life.
5. Veteran / military obituary template
To honor a loved one's service. Include branch, rank, years of service, and any decorations.
[Full name], [age], of [city, state], a proud veteran of the [branch of service], passed away on [date].
[First name] served [his/her/their] country from [years] as a [rank/role], including [deployments, theaters, or notable service]. [He/She/They] was awarded [decorations, if any]. After [his/her/their] service, [first name] [career and life after the military].
[First name] is survived by [family]. A service with military honors will be held on [date] at [time] at [location]. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to [a veterans' organization].
How to use these templates
- Pick the template that best fits the person and the setting.
- Replace every bracketed placeholder with real details — names, dates, places, and at least one specific, personal memory.
- Read it aloud. If a line sounds stiff, rewrite it the way you would say it to a friend.
- Double-check all names and the family list with someone who knows them.
- Confirm the service details before publishing, or note that they are "to be announced."
For a full walkthrough of structure, tone, and length, see our step-by-step guide to writing an obituary, or read 25 obituary examples for inspiration.
Let Eulogia write it for you
If filling in a template still feels like too much right now, you do not have to do it alone. Eulogia drafts a complete, heartfelt obituary from a few simple details in about two minutes — in whatever style above feels right — and you can edit every word until it sounds just like them. It is free to try.
Frequently asked questions
Are these obituary templates free to use?
Yes. Every template on this page is free to copy, paste, and adapt. Just replace the bracketed placeholders with your loved one's details.
Which obituary template should I use?
Use the traditional template for a full newspaper or online obituary, the short template for a paid death notice, the celebration-of-life template for a warmer tone, the religious template when faith was central, and the veteran template to honor military service.
How long should an obituary be?
Most obituaries run 200 to 500 words. Online obituaries can be longer since they are usually free; newspaper obituaries are often shorter to manage cost.
Can I edit a template after I generate one?
Yes. If you use Eulogia to draft an obituary, you can edit every word until it sounds exactly like the person you are honoring.