Fond du Lac, Wisconsin Vital Statistics Index Search Tips

Name Tips

During this time period, 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 needs 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 dicken for the last name if you do know if the name is dickenson or dickensen.

Date Tips

Remember that only 1846-1994 and June 2005 to recent issues are indexed and may be incomplete. For further information read the history of the vital statistics index. If you are uncertain of the date of death use a broad date range.

Following the date in the Newspaper/Event Date Column:

• An (N) refers to date it appeared in the newspaper.
• An (E) refers to the date of the marriage, death or funeral.

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 funeral notices and marriages have been indexed in addition to obituaries.

Using the pull down menu, results may be sorted by last name, first name, newspaper/event date (ascending or descending) or by event type.

Select the name for further information.

Help/Feeback

To obtain help, report problems or make suggestions, please e-mail reference(at)fdlpl(dot)org.

Requesting photocopies of vital record notices

Requests may be made by mail to:

Fond du Lac Public Library
Reference Department - Vital Statistics
32 Sheboygan Street
Fond du Lac, WI 54935

OR

by e-mail.

You may request an obituary search for the omitted names if you have an approximate date of death. The more information you can provide, the quicker we will be able to process your request. There is no legal requirement for obituaries, funerals, or marriage announcements to be printed in the newspaper.

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Vital Statistics Index Search Page