Todesanzeige gestalten: Vorlagen, Beispiele & Tipps
An obituary notice is a dignified way to say farewell and announce the death of a loved one. Here you will find templates, examples, and practical tips on how to design an obituary notice, whether traditional, modern, religious, or secular.
What belongs in an obituary notice?
A complete obituary notice contains the following elements:
- Name of the deceased: Full name, maiden name and title if applicable.
- Life dates: Date of birth and date of death (e.g. '* 15 March 1940, + 2 April 2026').
- Personal text: A short, dignified text honouring the deceased. This can be a quote, a poem, or personal words.
- Memorial service and burial: Date, time, and location of the memorial service or funeral.
- Flowers and donations: Note on whether flowers are welcome or whether a donation to an organisation is preferred instead of flowers.
- Bereaved family: Names of the family members who place the notice.
- Contact address: Address for condolence letters, often the address of the funeral home.
Obituary notice templates and examples
Depending on the personality of the deceased and the family's wishes, there are different styles for obituary notices:
Traditional obituary notice
'In quiet mourning, we bid farewell to our beloved [Name], who peacefully passed away on [Date]. The memorial service will take place on [Date] at [Time] in the [Church/Chapel]. Instead of flowers, please donate to [Organisation].'
Modern obituary notice
'[Name] has left us, but the memories of their zest for life will remain forever. We celebrate their life on [Date] at [Time] in [Place]. Come as you are.'
Religious obituary notice
'The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 23. [Name] has departed in God's peace. The memorial service will take place on [Date] in the [Church].'
Secular obituary notice
'What remains when all else passes is love. With gratitude and love, we bid farewell to [Name]. A celebration in the closest circle will take place on [Date].'
Designing an obituary notice: Tips
When designing an obituary notice, there are several points to consider:
- Layout: Choose a calm, clear layout. Less is more; the obituary notice should be dignified and easy to read.
- Font: Use a classic, easy-to-read font. Serif fonts appear traditional and serious, sans-serif fonts modern and clean.
- Image or symbol: A photo of the deceased or an appropriate symbol (cross, candle, tree, flower) can make the notice more personal.
- Newspaper publication: Most Swiss daily newspapers offer special rates for obituary notices. Costs depend on size and day of publication. Expect CHF 300-1,500 depending on format and newspaper.
- Online obituary notice: Platforms like gedenkseiten.ch or the online presence of daily newspapers enable digital obituary notices that have a wider reach and are often cheaper.
- Timing: The obituary notice should be published as soon as possible after the death, ideally before the memorial service, so that family and acquaintances are informed in time.
Grief and survivors' pension
The loss of a loved one is not only emotionally distressing but also raises many organisational and financial questions. In addition to designing the obituary notice and organising the memorial service, survivors must also think about financial security.
If you have lost your spouse, you may be entitled to an AHV widow's pension. Find out about your entitlements early and register with the responsible compensation office.
Even if you have or had care-dependent family members, pfleg.ch can support you in clarifying financial entitlements, such as calculating the care salary for family caregiving provided.
Support for family caregivers
Have you cared for a family member in need of care? Calculate your care salary or find out about the possibilities of family caregiving.