Russell Marion Nelson (September 9, 1924 – September 27, 2025) was a prominent American surgeon, religious leader, and the 17th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). He was widely respected for his dual legacy in medicine and faith. Over decades, he led significant institutional reforms, advanced medical science, and inspired millions of church members worldwide.
Quick Facts about Russell M. Nelson
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Russell Marion Nelson Sr. |
| Born | September 9, 1924 |
| Deceased | September 27, 2025 |
| Age at Passing | 101 years |
| Place of Death | Salt Lake City, Utah, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Professions | Cardiothoracic Surgeon, LDS Church President |
| Spouses | Dantzel White (m. 1945 – 2005, her death); Wendy L. Watson (m. 2006 – his death) |
| Children | 10 (names private) |
| Net Worth (est.) | ~$2 million (at time of death) |
| Notable For | First open-heart surgeon in Utah; leading the LDS Church; global reforms |
Early Life and Education
Russell Nelson was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1924. As a youth, he was raised in a family not actively affiliated with the LDS Church, though he later embraced religious devotion. He excelled academically and pursued higher education in medicine and science.
He earned a B.A. and M.D. from the University of Utah, then went on for further training including a Ph.D. in medicine at the University of Minnesota. His medical interests focused on cardiothoracic surgery—a field in which he would later break ground.
Medical Career
Nelson built a distinguished medical career before fully devoting himself to church leadership:
- In 1955, he performed Utah’s first open-heart surgery.
- He contributed to the development and use of the heart-lung machine, which became essential in modern cardiac surgery.
- Over years, he held faculty positions, conducted research, and trained other surgeons.
- His medical publications and innovations saved many lives and earned him global esteem in surgical circles.
His dual identity as both a surgeon and a religious leader made him unique among modern church presidents.
Church Service & Leadership
Nelson’s involvement in LDS Church leadership was extensive:
- In 1984, he was called as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, one of the top governance bodies in the church.
- From July 2015 until January 2018, he served as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
- On January 14, 2018, he became the 17th President of the LDS Church, succeeding Thomas S. Monson.
During his presidency, he spearheaded several major shifts: encouraging the use of the full name of the church (discouraging shorthand “Mormon” or “LDS”), restructuring youth programs after disbanding ties with the Boy Scouts of America, and accelerating temple building worldwide.
Death and Legacy
Russell M. Nelson passed away on September 27, 2025, in Salt Lake City at age 101. His death was confirmed by church officials. He was the oldest president in LDS Church history at the time of his death.
His legacy is vast and multifaceted:
- In medicine, he is remembered as a pioneer in cardiac surgery.
- In religious leadership, he is revered for modernizing aspects of church governance while maintaining doctrinal fidelity.
- His tenure accelerated global expansion, temple construction, and institutional reforms.
- He is survived by his wife Wendy, eight of his ten children, many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Net Worth
At the time of his passing, his net worth was estimated around $2 million. While modest by celebrity standards, it reflected a lifetime lived in service rather than accumulation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
In this section, I will provide you with FAQs and answers on Russell M. Nelson Biography. Keep on reading friend.
1. Who was Russell M. Nelson?
Russell M. Nelson was an American heart surgeon and the 17th President of the LDS Church, leading from 2018 until his death in 2025.
2. When did Russell M. Nelson die?
He died on September 27, 2025, at home in Salt Lake City.
3. How old was he at the time of death?
He was 101 years old.
4. What was Russell M. Nelson’s contribution to medicine?
He performed Utah’s first open-heart surgery and contributed to advancements in cardiothoracic medicine.
5. Who succeeded him as LDS Church President?
By church protocol, Dallin H. Oaks is expected to succeed him.
6. Did Russell M. Nelson have children?
Yes, he had 10 children with his first wife, Dantzel White. After her death in 2005, he married Wendy Watson in 2006.
7. What were some key changes during his presidency?
He pushed for:
- Use of the church’s full name rather than shorthand
- New youth programs replacing Boy Scouts affiliation
- Accelerated temple construction
- More global expansion and leadership diversity
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