Dieter Friedrich Uchtdorf, born on November 6, 1940, is a prominent figure known for his accomplishments as a German aviator, airline executive, and religious leader. He currently serves as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Called as an apostle in 2004, he also served as Second Counselor to Thomas S. Monson in the First Presidency from 2008 to 2018.
Early Life and Background
Uchtdorf was born in Moravská Ostrava, in the Nazi-occupied Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia (now Ostrava, Czech Republic), to German parents Karl Albert Uchtdorf and Hildegard Else Opelt. His father was a customs officer who was conscripted into the German Army toward the end of World War II. As a young child, Uchtdorf, along with his mother and three siblings, moved to Zwickau in eastern Germany amidst areas being bombed. He later reflected on this period, stating, "We were refugees with an uncertain future."
In 1947, his family embraced the LDS Church in Zwickau, Germany, which significantly influenced his upbringing. In 1952, the family fled to Frankfurt/Main, where he received an education in engineering, marking a pivotal point in his early life.
Career in Aviation
Uchtdorf's career is marked by significant achievements in aviation. In 1959, he joined the Bundeswehr and volunteered for the air force at age 19, aspiring to become a fighter pilot. He trained as a fighter pilot in Big Spring, Texas, where he excelled and earned the Commander's Trophy (USAF) as the best student pilot in his class. After earning wings from both the German and US air forces, he served for six years as a fighter pilot in West Germany.
In 1965, Uchtdorf joined Lufthansa, where he rapidly advanced. By 1970, at the age of 29, he had become a captain. His career at Lufthansa spanned several decades, during which he flew as captain of the B737, Airbus, DC10, and B747 from 1970 until 1996. He also served as a training and check captain and held various management responsibilities, including Section Chief Pilot B737, head of the Lufthansa pilot school in Arizona, head of all cockpit crews, and Senior Vice President Flight Operations and Lufthansa Chief Pilot.
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Religious Service
Uchtdorf's dedication to the LDS Church is evident in his extensive service. On October 2, 2004, he was sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and ordained an apostle on October 7, 2004, by church president Gordon B. Hinckley. He and David A. Bednar filled the vacancies created by the deaths of David B. Haight and Neal A. Maxwell. Uchtdorf was the first church apostle ordained in the 21st century and the eleventh apostle of the LDS Church to be born outside the United States. He is also the first German apostle in church history and the first born outside of North America since the death of John A. Widtsoe.
On February 3, 2008, Uchtdorf was called as Second Counselor in the First Presidency under President Thomas S. Monson, a position he held until Monson's death on January 2, 2018. During his service in the First Presidency, he dedicated several temples, including those in Tegucigalpa Honduras, Quetzaltenango Guatemala, Manaus Brazil, Fort Lauderdale Florida, Cordoba Argentina, Trujillo Peru, Tijuana Mexico, Fort Collins Colorado, and Tucson Arizona.
Following Monson's death and the reorganization of the First Presidency under Russell M. Nelson, Uchtdorf returned to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. New assignments for Uchtdorf were announced on January 22, 2018, following his return to the Quorum of the Twelve.
Marriage and Family
Dieter F. Uchtdorf's personal life is centered around his family. He married Harriet Reich on December 14, 1962, in the Swiss Temple. Together, they have two children and six grandchildren. His family's traditions and values are deeply rooted in their German heritage, which they share through various cultural and religious celebrations.
Faith and Hope: Cornerstones of Uchtdorf's Message
Elder Uchtdorf's messages often emphasize the importance of faith and hope. Speaking to missionaries at the Provo Missionary Training Center on November 7, 2023, he highlighted that wearing a name tag is a reminder to serve in the Savior’s way. He encouraged them to honor the name of Jesus Christ through their desires and actions, bearing witness of Him and renewing baptismal covenants.
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He taught that faith is a principle of power, requiring trust in God and action. Doubt and fear, he noted, hinder action and weaken faith. Uchtdorf also emphasized the importance of hope, urging missionaries to spread hope to a world filled with pessimism and despair. He connected hope with faith in God’s promises through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Sister Harriet Uchtdorf encouraged missionaries to share their faith and hope openly, listen to the Spirit, and find joy in serving God and His children. She emphasized the importance of being courageous and being a light to the younger generation, helping them to love the Lord and His work.
Christmas Traditions and the Christkindlmarkt
Christmas holds a special place in the Uchtdorf family, with traditions deeply rooted in their German heritage. Sister Harriet Uchtdorf and her daughter, Antje Uchtdorf Evans, have shared their family's Christmas traditions, particularly their involvement with the Christkindlmarkt at This Is The Place Heritage Park.
The Christkindlmarkt brings the charm of European Christmas markets to Salt Lake City, offering sweet smells of gingerbread and spices, beautiful lights, and traditional Christmas music. The market is held at This Is the Place Heritage Park, providing a unique setting surrounded by the pioneer village.
The Uchtdorf family's traditions include baking special German Christmas cookies, creating an Advent wreath with four candles, and reading Christ-centered stories each day leading up to Christmas. These traditions help them focus on the Savior and create lasting memories.
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Service is also a key component of the Christkindlmarkt, with the story of St. Martin serving as a service model. The market supports various service projects, such as assisting the Navajo Nation and supporting refugees and foster families.
Political Neutrality and Family Donations
In March 2021, donations made under Dieter F. Uchtdorf's name to Democratic political funds raised questions regarding the LDS Church's policy of political neutrality. Uchtdorf clarified that the donations were made by his family using a shared online account and expressed regret for the oversight, reaffirming his support for the church's policy.