President Russell M. Nelson, the 17th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away on September 27, 2025, at the age of 101. A world-renowned heart surgeon and dedicated spiritual leader, President Nelson’s life was marked by service, innovation, and unwavering faith.
Born in Salt Lake City in 1924, he pursued a remarkable career in medicine, helping develop the artificial heart-lung machine and performing Utah’s first open-heart surgery in 1955. Yet, even with these groundbreaking achievements, he often emphasized that true healing comes from God, highlighting the inseparable link between faith and action.
As president of the Church, President Nelson guided millions worldwide, introducing transformative policies such as home-centered, Church-supported worship and the ministering program. He championed temple worship, encouraged discipleship, and consistently invited members to deepen their personal connection with Jesus Christ. His final talks emphasized confidence in God, thinking eternally, and finding joy through Christ’s Atonement.
Beyond his public service, President Nelson was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, remembered for his kindness, compassion, and gentle leadership. His legacy endures in the lives he touched, the Church he strengthened, and the countless individuals inspired by his teachings of faith, hope, and love.
Early Life and Education
Russell Marion Nelson was born on September 9, 1924, in Salt Lake City, Utah, as the second of four children. His parents, though not regular churchgoers, taught him the values of hard work, education, and integrity.
From a young age, Nelson showed curiosity and determination. At ten, he accompanied his father to work at the Gillham Advertising Agency, learning lessons in responsibility. Academically gifted, he graduated from East High School at 16, earned a medical degree from the University of Utah by 22, and later completed advanced surgical training at Massachusetts General Hospital and the University of Minnesota.
Medical Career and Innovations
Nelson became a pioneering heart surgeon, helping develop the artificial heart-lung machine, which made open-heart surgery possible. In 1955, he performed Utah’s first open-heart surgery. Over his career, he performed thousands of surgeries and trained many physicians, even traveling internationally, including to China, where he was honored as an “old friend of China” in 2015.
Despite his medical skill, Nelson often emphasized that true healing comes from God, stating, “The real power to heal…is a gift from God.”
Family Life and Personal Interests
Nelson married Dantzel White in 1945, and they had ten children. After her death in 2005, he married Wendy L. Nelson in 2006, who supported him in his church assignments. He also enjoyed music, languages, skiing, and gardening, reflecting a rich, multifaceted life.
Church Leadership and Service
Nelson served in many church roles before being sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1984. In 2018, he became the 17th president of the Church, guiding millions worldwide as a prophet, seer, and revelator.
Significant Church Reforms
As president, Nelson:
- Introduced home-centered, church-supported worship and shortened Sunday services.
- Replaced home and visiting teaching with ministering.
- Emphasized the correct name of the Church.
- Updated policies for children of LGBTQ+ parents and temple ordinances.
- Accelerated temple construction, dedicating 200 temples worldwide.
Final Teachings and Messages
In his last conference talks, he focused on faith, discipleship, and spiritual growth:
- April 2025 – Confidence in God: Grow in spiritual confidence through covenants.
- October 2024 – Prepare for the Second Coming: Prioritize discipleship.
- April 2024 – Priesthood Keys: Value temple worship and spiritual blessings.
- October 2023 – Think Celestial: Keep an eternal perspective.
- April 2023 – Jesus Christ is the Answer: Turn to Christ for healing and guidance.
Compassion and Global Ministry
Nelson was known for his kindness and humility. He comforted Church members, offered blessings, and cared for fellow apostles. He traveled to 133 countries, spreading messages of hope and joy, and emphasized gratitude during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Legacy and Impact
President Nelson’s legacy blends medicine, ministry, and humanitarian service. He saved countless lives, uplifted millions spiritually, and inspired generations with devotion, diligence, and love. He is survived by his wife Wendy, eight children, 57 grandchildren, and over 100 great-grandchildren.
Remembering a Prophet
As the Church mourns, members reflect on Nelson’s teachings: faith in Jesus Christ, dedication to family, service to others, and pursuit of eternal truths. His life reminds us that true leadership combines wisdom, compassion, and action, leaving an enduring legacy for generations to come.
President Russell M. Nelson: Key Questions & Legacy
Q1: Who was President Russell M. Nelson?
A: President Russell M. Nelson was the 17th president and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was also a world-renowned heart surgeon and a spiritual leader who guided millions worldwide.
Q2: When and where was he born?
A: He was born on September 9, 1924, in Salt Lake City, Utah, as the second of four children.
Q3: What was notable about his education?
A: Nelson graduated from East High School at 16, earned his medical degree from the University of Utah at 22, and completed advanced surgical training at Massachusetts General Hospital and the University of Minnesota.
Q4: What were his contributions to medicine?
A: He helped develop the artificial heart-lung machine, enabling open-heart surgery, and performed Utah’s first open-heart surgery in 1955. He trained thousands of doctors and performed surgeries worldwide, including humanitarian missions to China.
Q5: Who were his family members?
A: Nelson married Dantzel White in 1945 and had ten children. After her death, he married Wendy L. Nelson in 2006. He had 57 grandchildren and over 100 great-grandchildren.
Q6: What roles did he serve in the Church?
A: He served as a stake president, regional representative, Sunday School president, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and ultimately as the 17th president of the Church.
Q7: What major reforms did he implement?
A:
- Shortened Sunday services to two hours.
- Replaced home and visiting teaching with “ministering.”
- Emphasized using the Church’s full name.
- Updated policies for children of LGBTQ+ parents and temple ordinances.
- Accelerated global temple construction, dedicating 200 temples.
Q8: What were his key final teachings?
A:
- Grow in confidence before God.
- Prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
- Value priesthood keys and temple worship.
- Keep an eternal perspective (“Think Celestial”).
- Turn to Jesus Christ for healing and guidance.
Q9: How was he remembered personally?
A: He was known for compassion, humility, and quiet service. He cared deeply for Church members, fellow apostles, and people worldwide, offering blessings and encouragement throughout his life.
Q10: What is his lasting legacy?
A: Nelson’s life combined medical innovation, spiritual guidance, and humanitarian service. He inspired millions to live with faith, devotion, and love, leaving a legacy that continues to impact generations.
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