How do i find information on somebody that died in 1988?

Question

I need to find information on a family member died in 1988 in the state of MN. I have tried different archives from the state, county, and city. Please help!!!

Answer 1

My first step is to find exact information. One record is his Social Security information. You can go to www.familysearch.org and put his name in to find his Social Security information. Having the death date is a plus for you, to narrow down the search.

Since you are a family member you can order their social security application, if you need ancestry info. You can find this on the social security admiin website at www.ssa.gov.

Depending on what information you need, such as burial place, once you have the place of death, you can contact the local county courthouse and ask for the information. You may be able to get the death certificate.

I was able to do this route for a relative of mine that no one knew where she was buried. I was able to find her ss information, which gave date of birth, death and city location and armed with that I sent the required fee to the Vital Statistics office of my state. The only requirement was that I send a copy of my driver's license and the fee, plus fill out the form certifying I was a family member.  

Newspapers keep archived copies of some of their obituaries.  If you know the newspaper where your relative lived, search their archives for the death notice or article.  If you don't, again, find her ssn to get the last residence.

It's possible MN allows this also.

Answer 2

I would go to myheartage.com they at least show death certs.

Answer 3

Make sure you have the correct name for the person.  Then try contacting the county historical society.  I know you tried to do that already, but ask them for their help in locating this information.  Tell them you're having trouble and see what they can do to help.  If you call them, be very polite.  If you email them, expect a few day wait.  If you write them, include a self addressed stamped envelope for them to return information in.  Always be as detailed as possible.  For example "I'm looking for John Smith who died in 1988 in Oaktown, Minnesota.  He was born in 19??  and he might have lived in or around Black Street or near the City Park."  The more you give them, the better they can serve you.

PS.  Make sure you have the right city/county too.  GOOD LUCK!

Answer 4

Minnesota has pretty good records.  But not every newspaper is online and 1988 could be in the archives.

You can post the name here to see if someone can help.  Or you can to to RAOGK to see if there is a volunteer near where your relative died .

Answer 5

Well, get all the basic info about the person:

Gender

Age

Weight

Height

Eye Color

Race

Hair Color

And try a website that finds people or talk to the city mayor or even look in all the local cemetaries!!