Alerts Sign-up
President Russell M. Nelson was remembered at his funeral in the Conference Center on Temple Square as a devoted family man and a dedicated leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Four senior Church leaders and two of his children paid tribute to his life and service.
Dallin H. Oaks, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, spoke about President Nelson’s enduring legacy. “His writings and his influence and his example live on. And so does our grief at his passing,” said President Oaks. He emphasized that President Nelson’s life “bore witness of his committed testimony as a prophet and servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
President Oaks shared that during their time together in the First Presidency, President Nelson would often share the Book of Mormon with visitors, describing it as “the most precious gift he could share.” President Nelson would read from 3 Nephi 11, where Christ visits the Americas, and express his conviction that “The Savior lives and He visited and taught on this American continent. All present could recognize the conviction and love he felt.” President Oaks described him as “one of Israel’s most powerful missionaries in action.”
President Nelson’s leadership style was also noted by President Oaks, who recounted a moment from their first meeting as a presidency in 2018. When a question arose about writing for the “Ensign” magazine, President Nelson decided quickly, asking if it was necessary and then discontinuing the practice. President Oaks recalled, “Figuratively speaking, I tightened my seatbelt a few more notches and said to myself, ‘Being a counselor in this First Presidency is going to be fun.’”
Laurie N. Marsh, President Nelson’s daughter, described her father as someone who radiated joy and always focused on Jesus Christ. She shared that her parents’ motto was from Matthew 6:33: “‘Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’” She spoke about the joyful atmosphere in their home and said, “I will sorely miss the joy and light that my dad’s physical presence has brought to my life.”
Elder Henry B. Eyring highlighted President Nelson’s openness to others’ opinions, stating, “President Nelson’s desire to hear these opinions and views was real. He sincerely wanted to hear what others thought…He received revelation from the inspiration of others.”
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland reflected on accompanying President Nelson during his first ministry trip as Church president in 2018, visiting eight cities in 11 days. Elder Holland said, “No matter how tired he was on any trip, President Nelson was always perfectly groomed and carefully attired as he stepped off the plane, casting that patented Nelson smile on those he met and to whom he spoke.”
Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson spoke about the prophet’s discernment and personal ministry, sharing how he once addressed needs she had not expressed outside her family: “When I saw him next, I shook his hand and whispered, ‘Thank you for knowing.’ He responded, ‘He knows. He loves you. So do I.’ Mine is just a representative story of thousands of stories and innumerable lives he changed.”
Russell M. Nelson Jr., the prophet’s son, recounted experiences ministering with his father and spoke about their shared commitment to honor their name. He invited all Latter-day Saints to follow this example: “Each of us have taken upon ourselves the name of our Savior Jesus Christ. We try to emulate Him and be more like Him and do our best to honor His name.”
The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square provided music for the service, including “Our Prayer to Thee,” written by President Nelson.
Thousands attended the viewing for President Nelson before the funeral, reflecting the broad impact he had among Church members and beyond.
