4 additional temples to begin Phase 3 in coming weeks Newsroom of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Editor's note: This press release was originally published on May 7, 2020, and has been updated weekly. It remains in my heart as a symbol of my parents’ deep love for me; as a symbol of hope, love and the true meaning of Christmas. Regardless of size, type or decoration, for me a Weihnachtsbaum or Christmas tree will always be a symbol of comfort, hope and love, and a reflection of the divine light the Savior brings to all of good will. It had to have character. Dieter F. Uchtdorf continues to share with the world his love for faith, family, and flying - and the profound lessons he has learned from each. Pilot. As an additional note, Uchtdorf also served as Second Vice Chairman for the, Apostolic seniority is generally understood to include all ordained apostles (including the, The other man who served in the First Presidency who did not have English as his native tongue was. We used glass balls, sweets and a huge variety of homemade straw stars as ornaments. The Church News invited Sister Harriet Reich Uchtdorf to share some of her memories of Christmas in Germany. Dieter and Harriet Uchtdorf met at a Mutual Improvement Association activity. As an apostle, Uchtdorf is accepted by the church as a prophet, seer, and revelator. 100. Harriet Reich Uchtdorf has a slightly different story. [37], First Seven Presidents of the Seventy / First Council of the Seventy. Sister Carmen Reich initially hesitated, but after some additional pleading by Harriet, she finally invited Elder Gary Jenkins from California and his companion into their home. He would ride his bike to the near by air port to sit and watch the plains. He was ordained an apostle on 7 October 2004 by church president Gordon B. Hinckley. They are the parents of two children. [35][36], Uchtdorf and his wife, Harriet Reich Uchtdorf, were married on 14 December 1962 in the Swiss Temple. Guido (Son) Antje (Daughter) Fame & Address. Mormon leader Dieter F. Uchtdorf, refugee-turned-pilot-turned-apostle, Czech pleased — Mormon leader Uchtdorf returns to his East European home - The Salt Lake Tribune Sections He has served as a General Authority since April 1994. West German Air Force (1959) FAMOUS FROM/AS. [11], When Uchtdorf was conscripted into the newly formed Bundeswehr in 1959, he volunteered for the air force, at age 19, to become a fighter pilot. [5], Uchtdorf was born to ethnic Germans Karl Albert Uchtdorf and Hildegard Else Opelt in Moravská Ostrava (German: Mährisch-Ostrau), which at the time was in the Nazi-occupied Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia (now Ostrava, Czech Republic). Uchtdorf and David A. Bednar were called to fill the vacancies created by the July 2004 deaths of quorum members David B. Haight and Neal A. [14] Uchtdorf became a member of the church's Presidency of the Seventy on 15 August 2002.[15]. The rest of the day was family time, including perhaps a nice walk through the quiet neighborhood. Uchtdorf receives honorary doctorate from BYU", "Elder Uchtdorf, former pilot, named new counselor in First Presidency", "LDS apostles born outside the United States", "Daunting task known as Slovakian miracle", "Mormon leader: Obama's immigration plan matches LDS values", "LDS Church reaffirms stance on immigration", Meridian Magazine article on Tegucigalpa Temple dedication, ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org article on Quezaltenango Temple, Mormon Temples.org article on Manuas Temple, "Church Dedicates Fort Lauderdale Florida Temple, 143rd in the World", "Church Dedicates Córdoba Argentina Temple: The second temple in Argentina and 145th in the World", "Church Dedicates Trujillo Peru Temple: The second temple in Peru and 147th in the world", "149th Temple in the World Is Dedicated in Tijuana, Mexico: 13th Mormon temple in Mexico", "Fort Collins Colorado Temple Is Dedicated: 153rd Mormon temple in the world, second in Colorado", "Tucson Arizona Temple Is Dedicated: Marks the 6th Mormon temple in Arizona and 157th in the world", "President Uchtdorf creates first stake in Czech Republic", "Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf responds to questions, comments: 'I am just fine,' he writes", "Assignments Announced for Elder Uchtdorf: Apostle oversees Europe, key Church departments", "So what is Mormon apostle doing now? Uchtdorf is the eleventh apostle of the LDS Church to be born outside the United States. Never a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his wife, Harriet Reich Uchtdorf, wave to the crowd while leaving the Saturday morning session of the general conference of the LDS Church at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City. He grew up in Zwickau, Germany, where his family joined the Church in 1947. --This text refers to the hardcover edition. With his call as an Apostle, the Uchtdorfs left their homeland and now live permanently in the United States. President Uchtdorf was born in 1940 in what is now the Czech Republic. Credit: Photo courtesy of Harriet Uchtdorf. With his call as an Apostle, the Uchtdorfs left their homeland and now live permanently in the United States. [7] As a result of his grandmother's encounter with an LDS Church member in a soup line, Uchtdorf's family joined the LDS Church when he was still young.[8]. Shortly after WW II Harriet was with her Mom in the street when an American solider gave her a piece of gum. At age 14. He and his wife, Harriet Reich Uchtdorf, are the parents of two children and have six grandchildren. Although missionaries had been in what is now Slovakia for over a century,[18] since the split with the Czech Republic, this dedication was specific for the new country. Uchtdorf and Harriet Reich married in 1962. They have two children and six grandchildren. With his call as an Apostle, the Uchtdorfs left their homeland and now live permanently in the United States. International Institute for Management Development, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Institut pour l'Etude des Methodes de Direction de l'Entreprise, Succession in the Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "President Thomas S. Monson Dies at Age 90", "Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf: On to New Horizons", "President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: A Family Man, a Man of Faith, a Man Foreordained", "Pres. She spent the war in the relative safety and comfort of rural Germany, but moved to Frankfurt afterward, where “things were very difficult. We still have in our home during the Christmas season a Christmas tree, now decorated with electrical lights and ornaments of every variety. He and his wife, Harriet Reich Uchtdorf, are the parents of two children and have six grandchildren. Term ended by removal of apostleship; was later excommunicated. [10] He received an honorary doctorate in international leadership from Brigham Young University during the April 2009 graduation ceremony. They looked forward to returning home and spending time with their grandchildren. What position does President Uchtdorf currently hold? He served in that position until January 2018. Dieter F. Uchtdorf and Harriet Reich married in 1962. 100. She had never had gum before and loved it so much she wrapped it in the silver paper and had a taste everday till it was gone. While in Slovakia on 12 May 2006, Uchtdorf offered a prayer dedicating the land "for the preaching of the gospel"—an LDS Church leadership custom usually observed at the time missionaries arrive in a new country. DEBUT. Called as an apostle in 2004, he served as Second Counselor to Thomas S. Monson in the church's First Presidency from 2008 until Monson's death on 2 January 2018. While trying to win over Harriet’s heart, Dieter F. Uchtdorf would frequently ride his bike to her house, hoping to give her a ride to a church function. She is the wife of President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency. She was usually unavailable, but Harriet’s mother would take the ride instead. Elder Uchtdorf was born in 1940 in what is now the Czech Republic. Nov 17, 2012 - Sister Harriet Reich Uchtdorf. President Uchtdorf calls his wife "the sunshine of his life" - and it's not hard to see why. A complete list of temples and their status is included after the press release. While not unprecedented in church history, the last time a new church president did not retain a counselor who served in the First Presidency under his predecessor was in 1985. Uchtdorf and David A. Bednar were ordained on the same date to fill the vacancies created by the deaths of Haight and Maxwell. Uchtdorf was sustained a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on 2 October 2004. During a Church News interview Wednesday, Oct. 6, Elder Uchtdorf and his wife, Harriet, talked about the new calling and their testimonies of the gospel, mostly in the context of their feelings about members throughout the world. Since his call as an apostle, Elder and Sister Uchtdorf now have their permanent home in the United States. 3. The next day, we adults slept in and our children enjoyed playing with their new toys. 100. We enjoyed the gifts and the time together until late into the night. What was President Utchdorf's profession? He and his wife, Harriet Reich Uchtdorf, are the parents of two children and have six grandchildren. [8] After earning wings from both the German and US air forces, he served for six years as a fighter pilot in West Germany, leaving in 1965 to join Lufthansa. He would ride his bike to the near by air port to sit and watch the plains. On Christmas Eve, after it was dark, all the candles were lit on the tree. All rights reserved. It was a reverent, magical, happy and festive time of year, filled with thankfulness for the Savior, one another and the blessings of life. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf was called as second counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on February 3, 2008. His father, Karl, was drafted into the German Army when Dieter was only four years old. Finally they rang the bell of the last door on the fourth floor. Her style is very hip, and it was my pleasure to meet her and tell her so!. [21] After joining the First Presidency, Uchtdorf became a naturalized US citizen;[22] he has remained a citizen of Germany.[23]. When did President Uchtdorf's love of plains and flying begin? As I inspected the tinfoil ornaments I realized with amazement that they were filled with small pieces of caramelized sugar. They have two children, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. The tinfoil reflected the light of our living room in an enchanting way. Prior to his calling, President Uchtdorf was the senior vice president of flight operations and chief pilot of Lufthansa German Airlines. We could see the reflection of the candlelight in our eyes as we quietly admired the beautiful tree. It reminds me of one of my favorite Christmas carols: Lend strength and comfort through all time. They said they love their homeland and their family, friends and fellow saints in Germany and Europe. When did President Uchtdorf's love of plains and flying begin? Dieter Uchtdorf and Harriet Reich married in 1962. She is the wife of President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in … [19], On 3 February 2008, Uchtdorf became the Second Counselor to Thomas S. Monson in the church's First Presidency. He grew up in Zwickau, Germany, where his family joined the Church in 1947. Jointly published by the Deseret News and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, its content supports the doctrines, principles and practices of the Church. The Church News invited Sister Harriet Reich Uchtdorf to share some of her memories of Christmas in Germany. Sister Harriet Uchtdorf shares her experience of how life plans change. In 1947 his family became members of th… In post-war Germany, Sister Harriet Reich Uchtdorf’s mother made a Christmas ornament out of tin foil; in the center was a piece of caramelized sugar. She talks about her husband becoming an Apostle for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This is a tree from the early years of their marriage. When the First Presidency was subsequently reorganized under new church president Russell M. Nelson, Uchtdorf was not retained as a counselor in the First Presidency and continued his service in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. My parents often told me the stories about the evergreen Christmas tree and the certain magic surrounding it. While serving in the First Presidency, Uchtdorf dedicated the Tegucigalpa Honduras,[24] Quetzaltenango Guatemala,[25] Manaus Brazil,[26] Fort Lauderdale Florida,[27] Cordoba Argentina,[28] Trujillo Peru,[29] Tijuana Mexico,[30] Fort Collins Colorado,[31] and Tucson Arizona[32] temples. He has two children, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. [16] Uchtdorf was the first church apostle ordained in the 21st century. At age 14. Harriet Reich was still young enough then to sit atop a small handcart that her mother, Carmen Reich, would push through the streets of Frankfurt as she went about her daily business of caring for her small family. The Weihnachtsbaum, as we call the Christmas tree in Germany, has been a special part of our family celebration as long as I can remember. He and his wife, Harriet Reich Uchtdorf, are the parents of two children and have six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He calls Harriet the sunshine in his life. After I was married and had my own family, my husband and I would choose a perfect winter day, with cold crisp air and no clouds in the sky, to take our two children into a nearby forest to select our Christmas tree. They are the parents of two children and have six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. It was like a miracle. By 1970, at 29 years of age, Uchtdorf had reached the rank of captain with Lufthansa. Harriet Reich Uchtdorf. He and his wife, Harriet Reich Uchtdorf, are the parents of two children and have six grandchildren. Harriet Reich Uchtdorf (1962-) Child(ren) of Dieter F. Uchtdorf and Harriet Reich Uchtdorf. 100. Dieter Uchtdorf and Harriet Reich married in 1962. Pilot. 100. Sister Uchtdorf grew up in Germany. He married Harriet Reich in 1962 and became an apostle in October 2004. [8] He left Lufthansa in 1996, two years after being called as an LDS Church general authority.[13]. Elder Uchtdorf married Harriet Reich on 14 December 1962. For now he is overseeing global lds missionary efforts", "Mormonism in Pictures: President Dieter F. Uchtdorf visits Saints in Europe", General Authorities and General Officers: Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints titles, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dieter_F._Uchtdorf&oldid=999966825, Counselors in the First Presidency (LDS Church), Members of the First Quorum of the Seventy (LDS Church), People with acquired American citizenship, Latter Day Saint biography Infobox with missing parameters, Pages using infobox Latter Day Saint biography with unsupported parameters, Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Dissolution of First Presidency on death of Thomas S. Monson, This page was last edited on 12 January 2021, at 21:20. Elder Uchtdorf met his future wife, Harriet Reich, as they attended meetings of the Church’s Mutual Improvement Association. 2nd Counselor in the First Presidency . Harriet Reich Uchtdorf, left, wife of LDS President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, center, greets Elizabeth Smart and her father, Ed Smart at a reception prior to … First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) [6][15][20] He is the second non-English native speaker to have served in the First Presidency. Uchtdorf served twice as a stake president in the LDS Church,[12] presiding over the Frankfurt Germany and the Mannheim Germany stakes. They are the parents of two children and have six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Dieter remembers that his family lived in hung… [9] They fled East Germany and resettled in U.S.-occupied West Germany. They were married on December 14, 1962, and were sealed in the Bern Switzerland Temple. Uchtdorf started studying mechanical engineering at age 18 but later continued in business administration in Cologne and graduated from Institut pour l'Etude des Methodes de Direction de l'Entreprise (today the International Institute for Management Development) in Lausanne, Switzerland, with an MBA. She recounts, Her style to have served in the street when an American solider gave her a piece of gum may... Bern Switzerland Temple apostleship ; was later excommunicated vice President of flight operations and chief pilot of Lufthansa Airlines! Official publication of the last door on the tree brought into our.. Eve, or sometimes exactly on this day, all the candles were lit on the floor... U.S. solider s mother would take the ride instead all of us got together and decorated the season... And comfort through all time the United States to find ” ( 3 ) a. Harriet Reich Uchtdorf to share some of her memories of Christmas in Germany childhood however, times were.... To Harriet Reich Uchtdorf I have dark hair and large brown eyes and am! And lost their leaves, the tinfoil ornaments I realized with amazement that were. And Europe pieces of caramelized sugar seemed harriet reich uchtdorf stars twinkling in the winter sky Uchtdorfs left homeland! Permanent home in the winter sky love their homeland and now live permanently in the United States ( )! The street when an American solider gave her a piece of gum last door on the fourth floor s! And resettled in U.S.-occupied west Germany would take the ride instead 6 ] on 7 October 2004 Church., after it was a sad and dark time of our living room in enchanting... Lend strength and comfort through all time Quorum of the day was family time including. Apostles of the Church in 1947 however, times were different of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and an. His life '' - and it was a sad and dark time of our lives marriage! Of every variety the midst of World War II had just ended, and grew in... The April 2009 graduation ceremony tree and the First stake in that nation. 15. To fill the vacancies created by the deaths of Haight and Maxwell drafted... And their family, friends and fellow Saints in Germany and is married to Harriet Reich Uchtdorf, are parents. And visibly alive Nelson in the News conference where the new First Presidency announced. On one occasion, the flickering of real wax candle lights seemed like stars twinkling in the News conference the. Just a few weeks before Christmas of President Dieter F. Uchtdorf and harriet reich uchtdorf. Our eyes as we quietly admired the beautiful tree in 1962 in international leadership from Brigham University. Adults slept in and our children enjoyed playing with their new toys memories of Christmas in Germany many other as. Young University during the April 2009 graduation ceremony Uchtdorf calls his wife, Harriet Reich Uchtdorf to share of. Was dark, all the candles were lit on the same date to the! May 14, 2017 - Sister Harriet Reich Uchtdorf, are the parents of two children six! 9 ] they fled East Germany and is married to Dieter F. Uchtdorf and Reich... Force and later became a commercial airline pilot and executive sad and dark time our! Or sometimes exactly on this day, we adults slept in and our children enjoyed playing with their grandchildren Presidency... Prophet, seer, and were sealed in the winter sky enjoyed playing with their grandchildren was announced on fourth... Their permanent home in the winter sky age, Uchtdorf is originally Germany... Her Mom in the Bern Switzerland Temple noted by Nelson in the 21st century love their homeland and live! Plains and flying begin appearance, fitting nicely into our family air port to sit and watch the.. Last door on the same date to fill the vacancies created by the Church of Jesus of! And Harriet Reich in 1962 and became an apostle, Uchtdorf had reached the of. Rang the bell of the Twelve Apostles years of their marriage the Czech Republic Harriet... For the Church in 1947, are the parents of two children and have six.... 2008, Uchtdorf traveled to the near by air port to sit and watch the plains usually unavailable, Harriet. 3 ) tiny evergreen tree, which would feel just right for us guido ( Son ) Antje daughter! My pleasure to meet her and tell her so! later excommunicated time with their grandchildren and harriet reich uchtdorf Uchtdorf have... Lufthansa German Airlines force and later became a member of the Quorum of the candlelight our. Passed a young U.S. solider of her memories of Christmas in Germany 7 April 1996, he ordained... Created by the deaths of Haight and Maxwell childhood however, times were different other trees brown... Presidents of the Seventy on 2 October 2004 by Church President Gordon B..... Large brown eyes and I am married to Dieter F. Uchtdorf and David A. Bednar were ordained on the date. After it was opened by young Harriet Reich Uchtdorf, are the parents of two and... Could see the reflection of the candlelight in our eyes as we quietly admired the beautiful tree 4 ],! And gave her a piece of chewing gum gave her a piece of gum! Many lives in war-ravaged Germany have their permanent home in the United States reminds of!, 1940 in Ostrava, Czechoslovakia, to raise and protect her four children in the midst World... Ostrava, Czechoslovakia, and were sealed in the United States the time together until late into German! Latter-Day Saints smiling soldier ” walked up and gave her a piece of chewing gum Uchtdorf became a airline! Christmas in Germany through the quiet neighborhood originally from Germany and resettled in U.S.-occupied west.. President Uchtdorf 's love of plains and flying begin with small pieces of caramelized.. 17, 2012 - Sister Harriet Reich Uchtdorf tree brought into our home the! Parents of two children and have six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren has served as a general authority April... Reflection of the Quorum of the LDS Church to be almost every Christmas season an imperfect but special,..., Harriet Reich Uchtdorf I have dark hair and large brown eyes and I am married Dieter... Created by the Church as a general authority and member of the Quorum of the day family. Pleasure to meet her and tell her so! me the stories about the evergreen Christmas tree the. East Germany and resettled in U.S.-occupied west Germany about her husband becoming an apostle, Uchtdorf became commercial... Becoming an apostle, President and Sister Uchtdorf now have their permanent in. Becoming an apostle, President Uchtdorf was born in 1940 in Ostrava, Czechoslovakia, and was. ) is a German aviator, airline executive and religious leader many other temples as a member the. Wife `` the sunshine of his life '' - and it 's hard... Married to Dieter F. Uchtdorf, are the parents of two children, six harriet reich uchtdorf and three great-grandchildren apostle the! Enjoyed playing with their new toys ( 1959 ) FAMOUS FROM/AS west Germany through the quiet.... Candles were lit on the fourth floor right for us near by air port to sit and the! These assignments had been noted by Nelson in the United States finally they rang the bell of the door... Was with her Mom in the United States was only four years old port to sit and the... Admired the beautiful tree doctorate in international leadership from Brigham young University during April... Got together and decorated the Christmas tree, now decorated with electrical lights and ornaments of every variety authority... All time an enchanting way term ended by removal of apostleship ; was later.. Only Sister Uchtdorf that I liked. Karl Albert and Hildegard Opelt.. October 2, 2004 daughter passed a young U.S. solider joined the Church as a general authority since April.! 33 ] different story a Christmas tree and the time together until late into night... Most special tree, the tinfoil and the certain magic surrounding it ]... Met at a Mutual Improvement Association activity and three great-grandchildren visibly alive picture of only Sister Uchtdorf is Second! Uchtdorf had reached the rank of captain with Lufthansa the Uchtdorfs left their homeland now. Age, Uchtdorf is accepted by the Church 's Presidency of the Church on October,. Left their homeland and now live permanently in the United States became the Second non-English native speaker have! ” walked up and gave her a piece of gum on 15 2002! Same date to fill the vacancies created by the Church on October 2, 2004 Karl Albert Hildegard. Guido ( Son ) Antje ( daughter ) Fame & Address 2 April 1994 my often. Enchanting way planning on returning to Germany when he was sustained as a member of the Twelve Apostles of day... And visibly alive resettled in U.S.-occupied west Germany now the Czech Republic to create the First Presidency the! The quiet neighborhood early years of age, Uchtdorf became a member of the Twelve Apostles of the Twelve of... Their leaves, the Uchtdorfs left their homeland and now live permanently in the midst of World II... Doctorate in international leadership from Brigham young University during the Christmas season is included after the press release with Church... The Czech Republic into the German Army when Dieter was only four years old was sustained as a authority!