3 Obituary Templates and Examples for a Grandfather
Writing a grandfather's obituary can feel like a significant undertaking, as grandfathers often lead rich, multifaceted lives filled with connections that span generations. However, with thoughtfulness and planning, it’s possible to craft an obituary that beautifully captures his spirit and legacy. Following are some general guidelines for writing an obituary and some templates and examples of obituaries to guide you along the way.
What to include in an obituary for a grandfather
An obituary for a grandfather should honor his life, legacy, and the special memories he created with family. Obituaries also often follow a general format which you can see when reading through examples. Here’s a list of key elements to consider including when writing an obituary for your grandfather:
- Full name and age: Include his full name (and any nicknames), age, and date of passing.
- Birth and death information: Mention his birth date and location, and where he passed away.
- Early life: Share a bit about his early life—where he grew up, any siblings he had, and his parents if relevant.
- Education and career: Summarize his education, career, and any notable achievements. If he served in the military or held a long-term job, mention it here.
- Personal life: Include some details about his personality, passions, hobbies, or accomplishments that were important to him—whether it was fishing, woodworking, gardening, volunteering, or simply being the family’s storyteller.
- Family: List family members, including close family who preceded him in death and those who survive him, like children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and any close friends or family who were like family to him.
- Legacy and memories: Share what he was most known or loved for, such as being a devoted family man, his sense of humor, or a certain tradition he kept alive. Including a short, heartfelt anecdote can help make his character come alive in words.
- Funeral or memorial details: Provide details about the services, like the date, time, and location, or mention if it will be private. You can share the link to your memorial website as an easy way of sharing event information.
- Special requests: If donations in lieu of flowers are requested, or if there’s a specific cause he was passionate about, mention it here. If you have a memorial website, simply request folks visit the website to send donations or flowers.
- Closing line: End with a closing sentiment. For instance, “He will be missed dearly but will remain forever in our hearts” or “His legacy lives on through the lives he touched.”
Examples of obituaries for grandfathers
Following are some obituary examples for grandfathers that you can use when crafting your own grandfather’s obituary. When reading through a sample obituary for a grandfather, try to keep a few things in mind. What kind of information is included in the obituary? Where is certain information mentioned? Are there dates you see repeated throughout the examples? How do you want to structure your own grandfather’s obituary? While following a traditional obituary isn’t the only option, it’s helpful to understand the common format of an obituary so you can figure out where you’d like to deviate, if at all. Following are some templates of a grandfather’s obituary you can use when writing one on your own:
Obituary template and example for a grandfather
Obituary template for a grandfather
Use this templateLast night, our family received the unexpected news that our grandfather was involved in an accident. The man who built a foundation of warmth and empathy, who preferred kindness and gentleness to all else, was accepted into the arms of our lord and savior late on ((date_of_death)).
((full_name)) was born in [location], before his family immigrated to [location] in [year]. He became one of the first immigrant children at his strict private school, excelling in every single one of his classes. It was at this school he developed his love for sports and the community and camaraderie that came alongside working with a team to accomplish a goal.
When he was [age], ((first_name)) took to traveling abroad for work, with main offices located in Hong Kong and Tokyo. He excelled in software sales and connecting with others, a wonder of a salesman. As a result of his talents, his job offered to let him expand his main offices to other sweet spots like Paris, Czech, and Los Angeles.
It was on one of these trips that he met his husband, [name]. After over [number] years of traveling, he decided to settle down in Paris with his husband, [name]. They went on to adopt [children].
Please note that no services will be held, as ((first_name)) specifically requested this.
Obituary example for a grandfather
Last night, our family received the unexpected news that our grandfather was involved in an accident. The man who built a foundation of warmth and empathy, who preferred kindness and gentleness to all else, was accepted into the arms of our lord and savior late on December 14th, 2020.
Mikael Shrodder was born in Montenegro, before his family immigrated to Canada in 1945. He became one of the first immigrant children at his strict private school, excelling in every single one of his classes. It was at this school he developed his love for sports and the community and camaraderie that came alongside working with a team to accomplish a goal.
When he was 32, Mikael took to traveling abroad for work, with main offices located in Hong Kong and Tokyo. He excelled in software sales and connecting with others, a wonder of a salesman. As a result of his talents, his job offered to let him expand his main offices to other sweet spots like Paris, Czech, and Los Angeles.
It was on one of these trips that he met his husband, Ralph. After over 20 years of traveling, he decided to settle down in Paris with his husband, Ralph. They went on to adopt 3 children, Aceline, Chloe, and Elodie.
Please note that no services will be held, as Mikael specifically requested this.
Obituary template and example for a grandfather 2
Obituary template for a grandfather 2
Use this templateAfter a difficult and brief battle with [cause of death], our family regrets to announce the loss of our grandfather, ((full_name)). ((first_name)) immigrated to this country in [year], setting down roots by establishing a small accounting business, something he excelled at in his home country of [country name].
After about [number] years of hard work, Andres would go on to have two home offices -- one in [locations]. He split time between both offices. During one of his trips to [location], he met his wife, [name]. [Names] went on to have a child, [child name]. After he'd established success in both of his home offices, Andres eventually transferred his business to his son so that he and [name] could spend their retirement traveling and living the good life.
Though they were both intent on traveling, they'd soon settle down in [location] -- a surprise to everyone. [Describe life in new place]. Donations can be made to the memorial fund, which is for [description].
Obituary example for a grandfather 2
After a difficult and brief battle with COVID, our family regrets to announce the loss of our grandfather, Andres Gonzalez. Frederico immigrated to this country in 1940, setting down roots by establishing a small accounting business, something he excelled at in his home country of San Salvador.
After about 15 years of hard work, Andres would go on to have two home offices -- one in San Salvador and one in Plato, TX. He split time between both offices. During one of his trips to San Salvador, he met his wife, Aileen. Aileen and Andres went on to have a child, Andres Jr. After he'd established success in both of his home offices, Andres eventually transferred his business to his son so that he and Aileen could spend their retirement traveling and living the good life.
Though they were both intent on traveling, they'd soon settle down in Nebraska -- a surprise to everyone. They purchased a small plot of land where they tended to a garden and bred dachshunds. Donations can be made to the memorial fund, which is for Andres Jr.'s son, Malin.
Obituary template and example for a grandfather 3
Obituary template for a grandfather 3
Use this template((full_name)), ((age)), of ((death_location)), passed away on ((date_of_death)) after complications from [cause of death].
((first_name)) was born on ((date_of_birth)) to [parents' names] at [location] in [place]. After graduating from [school name] and after losing ((possessive_pronoun)) mother unexpectedly to a car crash, ((first_name)) moved to South Dakota to be with friends who owned a farm.
These friends offered their unending support to ((first_name)) during ((possessive_pronoun)) time of need and would eventually be the springboard for him to meet ((possessive_pronoun)) future wife, [name]. [Name] and ((first_name)) met while at a [location] and married after [length of time].
[Name] and ((first_name)) went on to have [number] children, [names]. They also had many animals throughout their life as ((first_name)) was a [animal] person throughout ((possessive_pronoun)) life.
The family requests donations be made to help cover funeral expenses in lieu of flowers or other sympathy gifts.
In the words of our grandfather, ""[quote]"".
Obituary example for a grandfather 3
Adras Pappas, 68, of Springview, passed away on April 20th after complications from heart disease.
Adras was born on January 2nd, 1955 to Amara Pappas at St. Jude's hospital in Baltimore, MD. After graduating from Baltimore High in 1973 and after losing his mother unexpectedly to a car crash, Adras moved to South Dakota to be with friends who owned a farm.
These friends offered their unending support to Adras during his time of need and would eventually be the springboard for him to meet his future wife, Maria. Maria and Adras met while at a Halloween Party and married after a brief courtship of just 4 weeks.
Maria and Adras went on to have 3 children, Clint, Mary, and John. They also had many animals throughout their life as Adras was a dog person throughout his life.
The family requests donations be made to help cover funearl expenses in lieu of flowers or other sympathy gifts.
In the words of our grandfather, "Live life well and to the fullest."
Obituary template and example for a grandfather who had Parkinson's
Obituary template for a grandfather who had Parkinson's
((full_name)), ((age)), of ((death_location)), passed away on ((date_of_death)) after complications from Parkinson’s disease.
((first_name)) was born on ((date_of_birth)) to [parents' names] in [place]. After graduating from [school name], he [brief summary of early life or challenges, if applicable]. Seeking new opportunities, ((first_name)) moved to [location], where he eventually met his future wife, [spouse’s name].
((first_name)) and [spouse’s name] met [circumstances of meeting] and married after [length of time]. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and resilience. They raised [number] children, [children’s names], and shared a deep love for [mention any passions, such as animals, gardening, or a hobby]. Throughout his life, ((first_name)) remained a devoted [husband/father/grandfather], always offering kindness, wisdom, and a steady presence to those around him.
Despite his battle with Parkinson’s, ((first_name)) faced each day with strength and dignity, inspiring all who knew him. His legacy of perseverance, love, and humor will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.
The family requests that donations be made to Parkinson’s research or to help cover funeral expenses in lieu of flowers.
In the words of our grandfather, "[memorable quote or phrase he often said]."
Use this templateObituary example for a grandfather who had Parkinson's
Carl Schäfer, 73, of Billings, Montana, passed away on March 20, 2025, after complications from Parkinson’s disease.
Carl was born on September 8, 1951, to Heinrich and Elise Schäfer in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After graduating from Lincoln High School, he faced the sudden loss of his mother in a car accident. Seeking a fresh start, Carl moved to South Dakota to be with friends who owned a farm.
These friends provided Carl with unwavering support during his time of need and ultimately became the reason he met his future wife, Margaret. Carl and Margaret met at a local farmers’ market and quickly bonded over their shared love of the outdoors. They married a year later and built a life together full of love and adventure.
Carl and Margaret raised three children, Daniel, Sophie, and Henry. He was a lifelong dog lover and always had at least one loyal companion by his side. Whether tending to his vegetable garden, working on woodworking projects, or sharing stories by the fire, Carl’s warmth and wisdom touched the lives of all who knew him.
Despite his battle with Parkinson’s, Carl remained strong and steadfast, facing each day with courage and humor. His resilience and kindness will forever be cherished by his family and friends.
The family requests that donations be made to Parkinson’s research or to help cover funeral expenses in lieu of flowers.
In the words of our grandfather, “Life’s too short to rush—take time to enjoy the little things.”
How to end a grandfather’s obituary
Ending an obituary typically involves a sentiment or sentence intended to convey a sense of closure, honor the person's memory, and offer comfort to those grieving, reminding them of the lasting impact the departed has had on their lives. Here are ten respectful and heartfelt ways to conclude a grandfather's obituary:
- “He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and countless cherished memories. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.”
- “In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to [charity/organization] in his honor, celebrating his lifelong commitment to helping others.”
- “Though he may be gone, his stories, lessons, and love will live on forever in the hearts of his family and friends.”
- “Grandpa’s warmth, kindness, and wisdom were gifts to all of us. We will carry his memory forward in our lives every day.”
- “He taught us the value of hard work, kindness, and family, leaving an indelible mark on our lives. We will hold him close in our hearts always.”
- “He was the heart of our family and the pillar of our strength. His absence will be felt deeply, but his spirit will forever be with us.”
- “To honor his life, we encourage everyone who loved him to live with the same kindness, laughter, and joy he brought to this world.”
- “He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. May his soul find peace, and may we always honor his memory by living with the same love he showed us.”
- “Grandpa’s smile lit up our lives. We were blessed to know him, and we will remember him with every sunrise and every star-lit night.”
- “In our sadness, we find comfort in knowing that he is reunited with loved ones who have gone before him. Until we meet again.”
If you’ve recently lost a loved one and want to share their story with your community, consider creating a memorial website on Ever Loved. Ever Loved memorial sites provide a dedicated space for posting an obituary, sharing event details, collecting memories, and raising funds for expenses or charitable causes—all at no cost.
