### Submission via a Funeral Home (Recommended) The most efficient and common method for submitting an obituary is to coordinate directly with the funeral home handling the services. Funeral directors regularly work with local media outlets, including WKVI, and are familiar with the station's specific deadlines, formatting preferences, and submission channels. When you utilize a funeral home: * The funeral director handles the formatting and transmits the text and photograph directly to the station. * The station can quickly verify the authenticity of the death notice, which prevents delays in publication. * The cost of the obituary publication is often bundled directly into the funeral home’s final billing, simplifying the financial transaction for the family. ### Direct Submission by Family Members
If you are not using a local funeral home, or if you prefer to handle the media submissions independently, you can contact WKVI directly. When submitting independently, keep the following in mind: * **Verification Required:** To prevent fraudulent submissions, WKVI will require verification of the death. This typically involves providing a copy of the death certificate or contact information for the crematory, cemetery, or medical facility handling the arrangements. * **Contacting the Station:** Reach out to the WKVI administrative office via their official website or by phone to request the current email address or submission form designated for obituaries. * **Payment:** Direct submissions generally require prepayment before the obituary is broadcast or published online. Be sure to confirm the current rates, which may vary based on word count or the inclusion of a photograph. ## Guidelines and Information to Prepare To ensure the obituary is processed without delay, prepare the necessary details before submitting. A standard obituary submission should include:
* **Biographical Information:** The deceased's full name (including maiden name or nicknames), age, town of residence, and date of passing. * **Service Details:** Clear information regarding the dates, times, and locations for visitations, funeral services, celebrations of life, and burial. * **Survivors and Predeceased:** A list of immediate family members, including spouses, children, siblings, grandchildren, and parents. * **Memorial Contributions:** If the family prefers charitable donations in lieu of flowers, include the name of the organization and instructions on how to donate. * **Photographs:** If you wish to include a photo, ensure it is a high-resolution digital file (typically in JPEG format) with clear lighting. ## How WKVI Shares Obituaries with the Community WKVI is unique because it offers both broadcast and digital platforms to share local obituaries, ensuring maximum reach across Starke County and surrounding areas. ### On-Air Broadcasts
As a local radio station, WKVI broadcasts daily obituary reports. This is a vital service for community members who rely on the radio for local updates. When submitting, ask the station staff about their current broadcast schedule for death notices so family and friends know when to tune in. ### Online Directory on WKVI.com In addition to the radio broadcast, obituaries are published on the official WKVI website. The digital listing serves as a lasting record that can be shared easily on social media or via email with out-of-town relatives. Each online listing typically features: * The complete written tribute. * Interactive maps and directions to the service locations. * A section for community members to leave online condolences and virtual tributes. * Direct links for visitors to order flowers or send memorial gifts.
## Searching for Published Obituaries on WKVI If you are looking for a recently published obituary on the WKVI platform, the website provides several user-friendly tools to help you locate the correct listing: * **Name Search:** A search bar is available on the main obituary page, allowing users to search by first or last name. * **Browse by Month:** If you are unsure of the exact spelling of a name but know the timeframe of the passing, you can browse listings grouped by the month and year of publication. * **Alphabetical Filters:** Users can filter the directory alphabetically by the first letter of the deceased's last name to narrow down search results quickly. ## Accessing Historical or Archived Obituaries
While the WKVI website maintains a digital archive of recent obituaries, the online database may not retain listings indefinitely. If you are conducting genealogical research or looking for an older obituary that is no longer active on the website, you may need to explore alternative local resources. Consider contacting the Starke County Public Library system in Knox, Indiana, as they often maintain microfilm archives of local newspapers and historical records. Local historical and genealogical societies are also excellent resources for locating historical death notices in the region.
