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| The Prophet Defined by Clear Leadership and a Lifetime of Christ-Centered Service. |
"He deeply believes in each of us and is constantly cheering us on," — his daughter shared.
At his funeral in the Conference Center on Temple Square, President Russell M. Nelson was tenderly remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, and dedicated disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Six speakers—including four senior Church leaders and two of the prophet’s children—eulogized him. President Dallin H. Oaks, speaking as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, affirmed that the Prophet's legacy of "writings and his influence and his example live on," despite the collective grief. He concluded that President Nelson's life itself "bore witness of his committed testimony" as a prophet and servant of Christ.
The funeral featured tributes from six speakers, including President Nelson’s former counselors, President Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Henry B. Eyring. They were joined by two of the prophet’s ten children—Laurie N. Marsh and Russell M. Nelson Jr.—along with Elder Jeffrey R. Holland and Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson.
The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square provided the music, performing several sacred pieces, including “Our Prayer to Thee,” a hymn President Nelson himself wrote.
During his remarks, President Oaks shared a tender, private memory that underscored President Nelson's deep faith: he described how the prophet often gave visitors copies of the Book of Mormon, frequently reading aloud from it to bear his personal testimony of Jesus Christ.
President Oaks shared a touching recollection of President Nelson's faith. "He would pick up a Book of Mormon, hold it close, and explain that this was the most precious gift he could share," President Oaks recalled, describing the book as "important, holy, and one that changed lives."
The prophet would then read verses from the Book of Mormon's third Nephi chapter, detailing Christ’s visit to the ancient Americas. As he read, "Tears would glisten in his eyes. He knew it was true,"
President Oaks stated. "The Savior lives and He visited and taught on this American continent. All present could recognize the conviction and love he felt." He noted that President Nelson "always ended every visit with a sincere and burning testimony," demonstrating the actions of "one of Israel’s most powerful missionaries in action."
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| The funeral featured tributes from six speakers |
President Oaks provided insight into President Nelson's decisive leadership style, a trait he carried over from his professional life as a surgeon. He recalled a moment early in their First Presidency (2018) when a question was raised about who would write the introductory page for the Ensign magazine.
"Before President Eyring and I could get involved in any discussion... President Nelson said, 'Why do we do this? Is this really necessary? Let’s stop doing it.' The decision was quickly made," President Oaks recounted. The experience led him to "tighten my seatbelt" and conclude, "Being a counselor in this First Presidency is going to be fun."
The prophet’s daughter, Sister Marsh, complemented this description by describing her father as a man who "radiated joy." She explained that "Daddy always chose to be happy," an attitude rooted in his commitment to the Savior. This commitment was reflected in the family motto, Matthew 6:33: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
Sister Marsh painted a warm picture of life in the Nelson home, where joy was constantly manifested through simple pleasures: from walking and skipping together to listening to President Nelson whistle, pop popcorn, play the organ, and snuggle his grandchildren.
Offering a heartfelt farewell, she shared: "I will sorely miss the joy and light that my dad’s physical presence has brought to my life." However, she quickly affirmed his enduring optimism: "He has great faith in you and me and will always be cheering each and every one of us on," inviting all to "joyfully live with Christ in the center of our lives.”
In his tribute, Elder Henry B. Eyring (whose mother was a patient of Dr. Nelson) praised the prophet's collaborative nature. Elder Eyring stressed that President Nelson’s desire to hear the opinions of others was "real" and sincere. "He sincerely sought for and received counsel," Elder Eyring said, adding that the prophet "received revelation from the inspiration of others."
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland reflected on accompanying President Nelson on his first global ministry trip in 2018—a journey to eight cities in 11 days. Elder Holland treasured the memory of the prophet’s tireless dedication: no matter his exhaustion, President Nelson always stepped off the plane "perfectly groomed and carefully attired," ready to greet those he met with his "patented Nelson smile." Elder Holland concluded, "Having the opportunity to see him love the people and the people love him made for the most beautiful of memories."
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| Dozens gather on West Temple Street in Salt Lake City, Utah, to see the hearse carrying the casket of President Russell M. Nelson leave the Conference Center on Temple Square on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 |
Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson revealed the prophet’s capacity for divine intuition and personal care. She credited President Nelson with being "quick to observe" and gifted with discernment, allowing him to perceive and lovingly address personal challenges she had kept private.
After he acted on that insight, President Johnson said she whispered to him, “Thank you for knowing.” His reply anchored his compassion in the divine: “He knows. He loves you. So do I.” She emphasized that this was a common experience, representing the "innumerable lives he changed."
His son, Russell M. Nelson Jr., reinforced this picture of lifelong service. He described his father’s relentless focus on reaching out to individuals, recalling that he learned to minister by accompanying his father to visit families in their neighborhood congregation. Even years later, as an Apostle, President Nelson felt a strong prompting to revisit members of that former congregation who seemed sorrowful.
"He visited them, ministered to them, and counseled with them to help lighten their burden and help let the light of Christ back into their lives," Brother Nelson Jr. said, concluding simply: "He was still ministering to them because he loved them."
The son ended his tribute by reflecting on the shared commitment he had with his father to honor their name. He then called upon all Latter-day Saints to apply that same commitment to their sacred covenants: to honor the name of Jesus Christ that they have taken upon themselves, and to "continue to follow our prophets, make and keep sacred covenants, and be peacemakers in our lives.”
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