Fill-in-the-Blank Obituary Templates (Free Printable)

September 28, 2026

Writing an obituary is one of the hardest things a family is asked to do, usually within a day or two of a loss, when it’s hard to think clearly at all. These fill-in-the-blank templates give you a place to start, so you can focus on the words that make it theirs.

There are five templates below, each with a different tone. Copy one into your own document, or download the free printable version with space to write your draft.

Download the Free Obituary Templates (PDF) →

Eight printable pages: five templates, tips, and lined pages for your draft. No sign-up needed.

How to Use These Templates

Pick the one that fits their personality, their faith, and where the obituary will appear.
Replace each [bracket] with your own words. Skip any line that doesn’t fit, and add anything that’s missing.
If you used our free Questions to Ask While There’s Time printable, the answers you gathered fill in most of these blanks.

Traditional

A classic obituary for the funeral home website or newspaper.

[Full name], [age], of [city, state], passed away [peacefully / unexpectedly] on [date] at [place], surrounded by [family / loved ones].

[He / She] was born on [date of birth] in [birthplace] to [parents’ names]. [First name] graduated from [school] in [year] and worked as a [job or career] at [employer] for [number] years.

On [wedding date], [first name] married [spouse’s name], and together they [raised a family / built a life] in [town].

[First name] loved [hobbies and passions] and will be remembered for [qualities, such as kindness, humor, or generosity].

[He / She] is survived by [spouse]; [children and their spouses]; [number] grandchildren, [names]; [siblings]; and [others]. [He / She] was preceded in death by [names].

A [funeral / memorial] service will be held at [time] on [date] at [location], with [officiant] officiating. [Burial / Interment] will follow at [cemetery]. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to [charity or cause].

Tip: “Preceded in death by” usually lists parents, a spouse, children, and siblings who have died.

Faith-Filled

For someone whose faith was the center of their life.

[Full name], [age], of [city], went home to be with the Lord on [date].

Born on [date of birth] in [birthplace] to [parents’ names], [first name] was a faithful member of [church] for [number] years, where [he / she] [served as / sang in / taught / volunteered with] [ministry].

[His / Her] faith showed in the way [he / she] [lived / loved / served others], and [he / she] often said, “[favorite saying or verse].”

[First name] is survived by [family members] and was preceded in death by [names]. [He / She] was deeply loved by [church family, friends, neighbors].

A service celebrating [his / her] life and faith will be held at [time] on [date] at [church or location], with [pastor or officiant] officiating. Memorial gifts may be made to [church, ministry, or charity].

“[Favorite Scripture]” — [book, chapter:verse]

Tip: Many families end a faith-filled obituary with a favorite verse, such as 2 Timothy 4:7 or John 14:2.

Military & Veteran

Uses the details from Part Two of our Questions to Ask printable.

[Rank] [full name], [age], of [city], a proud veteran of the United States [branch], passed away on [date].

Born on [date of birth] in [birthplace] to [parents’ names], [first name] enlisted in the [branch] in [year] and completed basic training at [location].

[He / She] served as a [job, specialty, or rating] with [unit], with duty stations including [bases, posts, or ships], and served during [war, conflict, or deployment]. [His / Her] honors include [medals and awards]. [He / She] was honorably discharged in [year] with the rank of [rank].

After [his / her] service, [first name] [career or life after the military]. [He / She] was a proud member of [VFW Post / American Legion Post / veterans group] and [other involvement].

[He / She] is survived by [family members] and was preceded in death by [names].

A service will be held at [time] on [date] at [location]. Military honors will be rendered by [honor guard or branch] at [cemetery]. Memorial donations may be made to [veterans charity or cause].

Tip: Double-check rank, unit names, and medals against the DD-214. Families and fellow veterans notice these details.

From Obituary to Program

Once the obituary is written, it can go right into the funeral program. Our templates are editable in free Canva, or we can build the whole program for you, including themed designs.

Browse Canva Funeral Program Templates →Have Us Build It for You →

Celebration of Life

Warmer and more personal, with room for their personality to shine.

If you knew [first name], you probably [a signature habit, such as tasted her peach pie or heard one of his terrible jokes].

[Full name], [age], passed away on [date], leaving behind [a lot of love / a full garden / a garage full of tools / a family who adored him].

Born in [birthplace], [first name] spent [his / her] life [doing what they loved]. [He / She] never missed [something they always did], always [a habit or saying], and could make anyone [laugh / feel welcome / feel at home].

[His / Her] greatest joy was [family, grandchildren, a passion], and [his / her] legacy lives on in [people or things they touched].

[He / She] is survived by [family members] and [a beloved pet, if you’d like].

Please join us to celebrate [his / her] life on [date] at [time] at [location]. [Come as you are / Wear their favorite team colors / Bring a favorite story to share.]

Tip: A celebration of life obituary can be funny and tender at the same time. Write it the way you’d tell their story to a friend.

Short Newspaper Notice

Brief and cost-friendly for a paid newspaper listing.

[Full name], [age], of [city], died [date]. [He / She] is survived by [spouse] and [children]. A [funeral / memorial] service will be held at [time] on [date] at [location]. [Funeral home] is in charge of arrangements. Full obituary at [funeral home website].

Tip: Ask the newspaper for its price per line and deadline. Many families place this short notice in the paper and share the full obituary online and in the program.

Tips for Writing an Obituary

Start with the facts, then add the heart. Names, dates, and places first; then the stories that made them who they were.
Check every name and date with another family member before submitting.
Watch the cost. Newspapers usually charge by the line or word. Use the short notice for the paper and the full version online and in the program.
It’s okay to be personal. A favorite saying, a signature dish, or a well-known habit can say more than a list of accomplishments.
Ask the funeral home. Many will post the obituary on their website and help you submit it to the newspaper.