**How to Place an Obituary with the Pioneer Press**
To place an obituary, please follow the steps below to ensure your obituary is published accurately and on your desired day. At this time, obituaries cannot be placed through our website.
**How to Submit:**
– Email your obituary information to: [email protected]
– If you have questions, contact our obituary desk at 651-228-5263.
**Obituary Checklist:**
*General Information:*
– Your full name
– Address (City, State, Zip Code)
– Phone number and an alternate phone number (if any)
*Obituary Specifications:*
– Name of deceased
– Obituary text
– Photo (JPEG or PDF preferred, TIF and other files accepted; we’ll contact you if there are issues)
– Requested ad run dates (discounts apply for multiple days if scheduled together)
– If using a photo, it must appear on all ad runs for discounts to apply
**Policies:**
*Verification of Death:*
– We require a funeral home/cremation society name and phone number for verification.
– We will contact the provider during business hours to verify the death.
– If the body was donated to a university or bequest program, include their phone number for verification.
– Alternatively, a death certificate is acceptable; only one form of verification is necessary.
– Please allow extra time for weekend verifications.
*Guestbook & Websites:*
– No references are allowed to outside guestbooks or other media sources/obituaries.
– We may publish a funeral home website or family contact email if desired.
**Obituary Process:**
1. After submission, a proof with price and run dates will be emailed or faxed to you before publication.
2. Review the proof carefully and notify us before the deadline if any changes are needed.
3. After print publication, we are not responsible for errors missed during final proofing.
4. Online obituary edits can be made by contacting the obituary desk.
**Payment Procedure:**
– Prepayment is required before publication.
– After approving the proof, call 651-228-5263 with your payment information.
– Credit cards accepted by phone only (PCI regulations).
– EFT (check by phone) also available; provide routing and account number.
*Current Rates:*
– Minimum charge: $162 for the first 12 lines
– Each additional line: $12
– Obits over 40 lines: 7.5% discount per line
– Second run date: 20% discount off both runs (must be scheduled at first placement)
– Place three obituaries, third placement is free
– Photo: $125 per day (e.g., 2 photos on 2 days = $500)
**Deadlines and Hours:**
– Ad, Photos, and all materials must be submitted by deadlines (no exceptions).
– Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed weekends/holidays).
**Memoriam Submissions:**
– Memoriams are remembrances for loved ones who have passed; rates differ.
– For information, call 651-228-5280 or email [email protected].
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**Obituary: William “Bill” Frederick Hering IV**
William “Bill” Frederick Hering IV, age 76, served the city of Woodbury as chief of police and director of public safety for 32 years before his retirement.
“Bill was a gentle, kind, and thoughtful leader with a wonderful sense of humor. He helped shape the culture we’re proud of today, one grounded in doing the right thing for the right reasons, treating everyone with respect, and serving with compassion and courage,” said Woodbury Public Safety Director Jason Posel. “He guided our organization through significant growth and change, always with a steadfast commitment to excellence in service.”
Born and raised in Bayport, Hering died on November 1 following a recent diagnosis of brain cancer.
“Bill was very active in the lives of his family,” his obituary reads. “He attended countless games, concerts, and school events as a supportive dad and grandpa. He played softball for many years, was a fire station history buff, and enjoyed photography. He and his wife Carol cherished annual summer vacations with family and doting on their pets.”
Hering began his policing career in 1970 in Bayport, carrying on his grandfather’s and father’s legacy of public service. He also served as a firefighter in Coon Rapids and as a police officer in Oakdale before joining the Woodbury department.
“Late in his career, he proudly earned his bachelor’s degree in organizational management from Concordia University, St. Paul,” the obituary continues.
As Public Safety Director and Police Chief, Hering led efforts to modernize the department, introducing new technology such as moving from paper to digital reports and records. “He also emphasized service for those on shift, ensuring that our call responses and investigations went as far as possible to support individuals and the community,” Posel said. “While off-duty, Bill was a dedicated husband and father who promoted a family-first mentality.”
Posel recalls interviewing for a part-time department position in 1996 with Patrol Sergeant Lee Vague and Hering, then Deputy Chief. “I was incredibly nervous, but Bill and Lee were both so kind and welcoming, even though I was just a kid with little actual experience and even less interviewing experience,” Posel reflected. “Interestingly, Bill went on to become the next Chief, followed by Lee, and I became the Chief after Lee. It’s remarkable to think how the three people in that one interview room would all go on to hold the same position leading the department.”
By the time Posel applied for his current position, Hering had long since retired. “Bill set the tone for how people should be treated, and that legacy continues to define our Woodbury Public Safety culture today,” he said. “Bill will be deeply missed.”
**Service Details:**
– **Visitation:** Thursday, November 13, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Bradshaw Funeral Home, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd., Stillwater.
– **Funeral Service:** Friday, November 14 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation at 10:00 a.m. at Memorial Lutheran Church, 15730 Afton Blvd., Afton. Luncheon to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the public is invited to make donations to the Public Safety Woodbury Community Support Fund, which assists first responders in providing immediate help to community members in crisis. Contributions to other service-oriented charities are also appreciated.
https://www.twincities.com/2025/11/07/bill-hering-woodbury-police-chief-obituary/