Remembering President Nelson

Two days after the close of general conference, Church leaders and family members eulogized President Russell M. Nelson as a loving father and husband, dear friend, devoted disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ, and inspired prophet of God.

President Nelson’s life “bore witness of his committed testimony as a prophet and servant of the Lord Jesus Christ,” President Dallin H. Oaks said during funeral services for President Nelson on October 7, 2025, in the Conference Center. President Oaks called President Nelson, who passed away peacefully at home on September 27, 2025, “my best friend and most effective teacher.”

President Oaks also called President Nelson “one of Israel’s most powerful missionaries in action.” He said, “His smile, the warmth of his voice, and the power of his presence melted hearts” of nations and faith leaders.

President Oaks and five other speakers honored President Nelson for his love, service, and dedication to the Lord Jesus Christ and God’s children worldwide.

With other speakers, he thanked Sister Wendy Watson Nelson for caring for and supporting President Nelson during their 19 years of marriage. He also expressed gratitude to President Nelson’s late wife, Dantzel White Nelson, and their 10 children for their faithfulness to “what he preached and lived for.”

Elder Henry B. Eyring, who served with President Oaks and President Nelson in the First Presidency, testified of President Nelson’s prophetic calling and his ability and desire to bless others.

“As I served by his side in the First Presidency, beginning in January 2018, I became a personal witness to the fact that the Lord inspires his prophet,” said Elder Eyring. “I am grateful to have known President Russell M. Nelson.”

In their remarks, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and President Camille N. Johnson, Relief Society General President, lauded President Nelson for his unfailing kindness toward people both inside and outside the Church.

“Having the opportunity to see him love the people and the people love him made for the most beautiful of memories,” said Elder Holland. He remembered President Nelson as “the holder of hands and the healer of hearts.”

President Johnson added, “President Nelson has literally changed the world one person and one interaction at a time, and he has invited us to do the same by drawing upon the power of God as covenant women and men.”

Two of President Nelson’s children, Laurie N. Marsh and Russell M. Nelson Jr., said their father lived joyfully because he centered his life on the Savior Jesus Christ and made ministering to others a priority.

“We were raised in a home centered on the Savior and filled with joy,” said Sister Marsh. She said the family’s goal was to become an eternal family.

Brother Nelson added that his father was tireless in his service. “President Nelson showed us firsthand that there is no ‘rest’ in his version of the Restoration.” He said that when called to lead the Church, his father pledged to serve the Father and the Son until his dying day. “He did just that.”

Marjorie N. Lowder and Gloria N. Irion, daughters of President Nelson, offered prayers at the service. The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square provided music.

President Nelson’s funeral came on the heels of a tribute held in his honor on October 1 and broadcast from the Tabernacle on Temple Square. President Oaks, Elders Holland and Eyring, Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé, Elder Carl B. Cook of the Presidency of the Seventy, and Primary General President Susan H. Porter offered tributes, sharing tender personal experiences serving with President Nelson and their feelings about his exemplary life, Christlike ministry, and inspired teachings.

In his tribute, President Oaks called President Nelson “a prophet of love” who “preached the gospel of love.”

For more about the life and ministry of President Nelson, see In Memoriam: President Russell M. Nelson, 1924–2025, published as a supplement to the November 2025 Church magazines.