Obitmichigan.com: 7 Things You Need To Know BEFORE You Use It
Obitmichigan.com: 7 Things You Need To Know BEFORE You Use It
Losing a loved one is incredibly difficult, and navigating the process of finding obituary information can add to the emotional burden. While obitmichigan.com offers a convenient resource for locating obituaries in Michigan, understanding its limitations and features beforehand is crucial. This post outlines seven key things you need to know before using obitmichigan.com.
1. It's Not an Exhaustive Database: Obitmichigan.com is a valuable tool, but it doesn't encompass every obituary published in Michigan. Smaller, local publications or funeral homes may not always submit their obituaries to this aggregator. Always consider checking directly with the funeral home or local newspaper where the deceased lived.
2. Information Completeness Varies: The level of detail provided in each obituary listing on obitmichigan.com can vary significantly. Some may include extensive life stories, while others may only offer basic details like name, date of birth, and date of death. Don't assume all obituaries will contain the same amount of information.
3. Search Functionality: While obitmichigan.com typically offers search options by name, date, and sometimes location, the effectiveness of these searches can fluctuate. Using a combination of keywords or slightly varying spellings may be necessary to find the obituary you're seeking.
4. Accuracy of Information: While obitmichigan.com strives for accuracy, errors can occur. Always double-check any information found on the site, especially dates and locations, with official sources like the funeral home or death certificate.
5. No Direct Contact Information: Obitmichigan.com primarily acts as an aggregator; it generally doesn't provide direct contact information for funeral homes or family members. You'll usually need to use the information provided in the obituary itself to contact the appropriate party.
6. Potential for Duplicate Listings: Due to its aggregator nature, you may encounter duplicate or slightly different versions of the same obituary from various sources. This isn't necessarily an issue, but it can be confusing and require you to compare listings to ensure accuracy.
7. Consider Alternative Resources: If you're having trouble locating an obituary on obitmichigan.com, remember to explore other avenues. Search directly on the websites of Michigan newspapers, local funeral homes, or use broader online search engines, specifying the deceased's name, location, and approximate date of death.
In conclusion, obitmichigan.com is a useful tool for finding obituaries in Michigan, but it's crucial to understand its limitations. By keeping these seven points in mind, you can effectively use the website while managing expectations and ensuring you find the information you need during a difficult time. Remember to always verify information found online with official sources.