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Early Life and Education
Dieter Friedrich Uchtdorf was born on November 6, 1940, in Mährisch-Ostrau, Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia (now Ostrava, Czech Republic). Born to German parents during World War II, Uchtdorf experienced the turmoil of war firsthand. As a young child, he and his family became refugees, fleeing through bombed areas to Zwickau in eastern Germany.
Uchtdorf’s family joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) when he was young, following his grandmother’s encounter with a church member in a soup line. When Uchtdorf was about eleven, his family fled East Germany to U.S.-occupied West Germany due to his father’s political beliefs being at odds with Soviet rule.
At age 18, Uchtdorf began studying mechanical engineering, later switching to business administration. He graduated from the International Institute for Management Development in Lausanne with an MBA. In 2009, he received an honorary doctorate in international leadership from Brigham Young University.
Aviation Career
Uchtdorf’s aviation career began in 1959 when he volunteered for the German Air Force at age 19. He trained as a fighter pilot in Big Spring, Texas, where he excelled and earned the coveted Commander’s Trophy for being the best student pilot in his class.
After serving six years as a fighter pilot in West Germany, Uchtdorf joined Lufthansa in 1965. By 1970, at just 29 years of age, he had reached the rank of captain. His career at Lufthansa included significant leadership roles:
- 1975: Head of Lufthansa’s new Arizona Training School in the US
- 1980: Head chief pilot of cockpit crews
- 1982: Senior vice president of flight operations
Uchtdorf left Lufthansa in 1996, two years after being called as an LDS Church general authority.
LDS Church Service
Early Leadership Roles
Uchtdorf served twice as a stake president in the LDS Church, presiding over the Frankfurt and Mannheim stakes. His service in general church leadership began on April 2, 1994, when he was called as a general authority and member of the church’s Second Quorum of the Seventy.
Apostleship
On October 2, 2004, Uchtdorf was sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He was ordained an apostle on October 7, 2004, by church president Gordon B. Hinckley. Uchtdorf became the first German apostle in church history and the first born outside of North America since 1952.
First Presidency
On February 3, 2008, Uchtdorf became the Second Counselor to Thomas S. Monson in the church’s First Presidency. He served in this capacity until Monson’s death on January 2, 2018. During his time in the First Presidency, Uchtdorf dedicated numerous temples worldwide and participated in significant church events.
Return to the Quorum of the Twelve
Following President Monson’s death, Uchtdorf returned to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. In his current role, he serves as:
- Chairman of the church’s Missionary Executive Council
- Chairman of the Correlation Executive Council
- Primary contact for the church’s Europe and Europe East areas
Personal Life and Family
Uchtdorf married Harriet Reich on December 14, 1962, in the Swiss Temple. They have two children and six grandchildren. After joining the First Presidency, Uchtdorf became a naturalized U.S. citizen while retaining his German citizenship.
Publications and Influence
Uchtdorf has authored several books, including:
- “Forget Me Not” (2012)
- “Your Happily Ever After” (2011)
- “The Remarkable Soul of a Woman” (2010)
- “Sister Eternal” (2005)
His speeches and writings often draw on his experiences as a refugee, pilot, and church leader, emphasizing themes of hope, resilience, and faith.
Legacy and Impact
As one of the most prominent German-born leaders in the LDS Church, Uchtdorf has played a significant role in the church’s global expansion. His background as a refugee and his international business experience have informed his perspective on worldwide church operations and missionary work.
Uchtdorf’s teachings often emphasize:
- The importance of hope and optimism
- Embracing cultural diversity within the church
- The value of education and personal growth
- The need for compassion and understanding in a global context
His unique life experiences and leadership style have made him a beloved figure among church members worldwide, particularly in Europe and among those with international backgrounds.
