Joseph B. Wirthlin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Joseph B. Wirthlin |
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| Quorum of the Twelve Apostles | |
| October 4, 1986 – December 1, 2008 | |
| LDS Church Apostle | |
| October 9, 1986 – December 1, 2008 | |
| Called by | Ezra Taft Benson |
| Reason | Death of Spencer W. Kimball and reorganization of First Presidency |
| Reorganization at end of term |
Neil L. Andersen ordained |
| Presidency of the First Quorum of the Seventy | |
| August 28, 1986 – October 4, 1986 | |
| End reason | Called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles |
| First Quorum of the Seventy | |
| October 1, 1976 – October 4, 1986 | |
| End reason | Called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles |
| Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles | |
| April 4, 1975 – October 1, 1976 | |
| End reason | Position abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Joseph Bitner Wirthlin June 11, 1917 Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S. |
| Died | December 1, 2008 (aged 91) Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S. |
| Resting place | Salt Lake City Cemetery 40°46′37″N 111°51′29″W / 40.777°N 111.858°W |
| Signature | |
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Joseph Bitner Wirthlin (born June 11, 1917 – died December 1, 2008) was an American businessman and an important religious leader. He was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This group holds a very high position in the church. He became an apostle in 1986 and was seen by church members as a prophet, seer, and revelator, meaning he was believed to receive guidance from God.
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Early Life and Education
Joseph B. Wirthlin was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. His father, Joseph L. Wirthlin, was also a leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Joseph B. Wirthlin was a cousin to Gordon B. Hinckley, who later became the president of the church. They even went to the same church congregation when they were children.
As a young person, Joseph Wirthlin was very active. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. He was also a talented high school quarterback in football. He was offered a scholarship to play football at the University of Utah.
Serving as a Missionary
Before going to college, Joseph Wirthlin chose to serve as a missionary. From 1936 to 1939, he served in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. He returned home just before World War II began. After his mission, he played football as a running back for the University of Utah.
Business Career and Family
Joseph Wirthlin spent his career as a successful business leader in Salt Lake City. He also led a trade association in Utah.
He married Elisa Young Rogers on May 26, 1941, in the Salt Lake Temple. They had eight children together. Elisa passed away in August 2006.
Church Leadership Roles
Joseph Wirthlin served in many leadership roles within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- From 1955 to 1964, he was a bishop of the Bonneville Ward in Salt Lake City.
- After being released as bishop, he served on the stake high council.
- In 1964, he became a counselor in the presidency of the Salt Lake Bonneville Stake.
- In 1975, he became a general authority of the church, serving as an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. This position was later discontinued.
- In 1984, he became the first president of the Europe Area for the church, based in Frankfurt, Germany. This area covered all of Europe and Africa.
- He was called to the Presidency of the Seventy before being called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Becoming an Apostle
On October 4, 1986, Joseph B. Wirthlin was chosen to be a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He was officially ordained an apostle on October 9, 1986. He became an apostle after the death of the church president, Spencer W. Kimball.
Later Life and Legacy
Joseph B. Wirthlin passed away peacefully on December 1, 2008, at his home in Salt Lake City. He was 91 years old. At the time of his death, he was the oldest apostle in the church. He was buried in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.
After his death, the University of Utah honored him by naming a scholarship after him. This scholarship, called the Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin Family Scholarship, helps the Utah football program. When the Utah Utes won the 2009 Sugar Bowl in 2009, the football players wore a special sticker on their helmets with the initials "JBW" to remember him.
See also
In Spanish: Joseph B. Wirthlin para niños
