Frequently Asked Questions

This index is a combination of several area indexes, and coverage varies in types of records indexed, dates spanned, and extent of information transcribed. In some cases additional information (such as names of parents or spouse/partner) is available by clicking on the name in the search results.

Types of records indexed:

	Berlin	Fond du Lac	Menasha	Neenah	Omro	Oshkosh	Ripon	Waushara County	Winneconne
Anniversary	X	X			X	X	X
Birth		X				X			X
Milestone birthday						X
Funeral		X				X		X
Marriage license		X				X		X
Marriage announcement	X	X	X		X	X	X	X	X
Obituary	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X

Dates spanned:

	Earliest	Latest
Berlin	1911	2003
Fond du Lac	1836	recent issues
Menasha	1854	1893
Neenah	1872	1970
Omro	2002	recent issues
Oshkosh	1853	recent issues
Ripon	1903	recent issues
Waushara County	1859	2022
Winneconne	1871	2014

Note that coverage between the above dates may be incomplete. For all time periods there is no legal requirement for records to be printed in the newspaper. If you are uncertain of the date of death use a broad date range.

Name Tips

During earlier time periods, an obituary for a woman was frequently listed under her husband's name only. So an obituary for "Jane Smith" may actually appear only as "Mrs John Smith" and would need to be searched with the last name "Smith" and the first name "Mrs".

Other common titles that may be entered as first names include: "Sr", "Sister", "Rev", "Father", and "Dr". In many cases, it is more productive to search just by last name.

Some obituaries use initials rather than the person's name spelled out. The obituary may be listed under "G. Smith" rather than "George Smith". This would need to be searched using the last name "Smith" and the letter "G" as the first name.

Capitalization is not required. Names may be typed in either upper or lower case.

Omit punctuation marks such as a period "." Type last name "Smith" first name "G" rather than "G."

If you are uncertain of the exact name or spelling, type in as much of the name as you know. For example, type "dickens" for the last name if you do know if the name is dickenson or dickensen. You might then find it useful to Resort the search results.

Search Results

Results are displayed alphabetically by name and include all variations of the name you enter. If you enter "smith" you will see results displayed alphabetically as "Coppersmith, Goldsmith, Hammersmith, Hoffsmith" and then "Smith." If you enter "lee" as the last name, you will see "Bleecker, Colee, Conlee, Decleene, Fleener, Gleed, Killeen, Kirkfleet, Kleeber, Kleeman, Klees" and then "Lee." This search result format does allow genealogists to search for name and spelling variations.

No attempt has been made to cross index or correct misspellings in the newspaper's printing.

There may be multiple listings for individuals because of the multiple contributing libraries, or the multiple types of records indexed.

Using the pull down menu, results may be sorted by last name, first name, or date.

Help/Feedback

While every attempt has been made to index accurately, there is a possibility of error in transcription, database entry, or on the part of the newspaper.

If you are unable to locate a record, there may be other sources for information including the county seat, local municipal records, other area libraries, or the State Historical Society in Madison.

To obtain help, report problems, or make suggestions, please contact us.