Russell Marion Nelson was a world-renowned heart surgeon and spiritual leader known for his wisdom, compassion, and long life of service. He was the 17th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), one of the largest Christian organizations in the world.
Before his religious leadership, he was a pioneer in the field of cardiothoracic surgery, performing groundbreaking open-heart procedures in the 1950s and 1960s. His dual careers — medicine and ministry made him one of the most respected figures in modern religious and medical history.
Even in his later years, russell m nelson age never slowed him down. He continued traveling, teaching, and guiding millions of members worldwide, proving that age is no barrier to purpose and leadership.
Russell M Nelson Biography Table
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Russell Marion Nelson |
| Date of Birth | September 9, 1924 |
| Place of Birth | Salt Lake City, Utah, USA |
| Date of Death | September 27, 2025 |
| Age at Death | 101 years |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Religious Leader |
| Education | BA and MD – University of Utah; PhD – University of Minnesota |
| Known For | Open-heart surgery innovation, Presidency of LDS Church |
| Years Active | 1947–2025 |
| Military Service | U.S. Army Medical Corps (Korean War) |
| Marriages | Dantzel White (1945–2005); Wendy L. Watson (2006–2025) |
| Children | 10 (9 daughters, 1 son) |
| Religion | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |
| Height | Approx. 5 feet 10 inches (estimated) |
| Weight | Approx. 160 lbs (estimated) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | White (in later years) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1–3 million |
| Residence | Salt Lake City, Utah, USA |
| Social Media | Featured via Church official pages: Facebook, YouTube, Instagram (@churchofjesuschrist) |
What is Russell M Nelson Age?
This section focuses on the keyword russell m nelson age, as it defines much of his extraordinary story.
- Date of Birth: September 9, 1924
- Date of Death: September 27, 2025
- Age at Death: 101 years
Reaching 101 years, Nelson was among the oldest religious leaders in modern times. His longevity was often seen as symbolic of his endurance, discipline, and faith. Even in his late 90s and early 100s, he remained mentally sharp and spiritually active, participating in conferences and addressing millions worldwide.
When discussing russell m nelson age, it’s essential to recognize that he became LDS Church President at 93 years old, proving that dedication and faith can keep a person vital well into advanced age.
Why is Russell M Nelson famous?
Russell M Nelson became famous for two main reasons:
- Medical Innovations – He was part of the first teams to develop and perform open-heart surgery using a heart-lung machine. His work saved countless lives and influenced cardiac surgery worldwide.
- Religious Leadership – After his medical career, he dedicated his life to spiritual service. In 1984, he became a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, one of the top governing bodies in the LDS Church. In 2018, at the age of 93, he became President of the LDS Church, showing that russell m nelson age did not limit his leadership capacity.
Under his presidency, the church expanded internationally and introduced several policy updates that strengthened its global unity and inclusivity.
What is Russell M Nelson Net Worth?
While russell m nelson age made him one of the oldest living religious leaders, his lifestyle remained modest. Reliable financial information about his net worth is not publicly available because LDS leaders are not paid like corporate executives.
However, before joining full-time church leadership, Nelson had a distinguished medical career. As a world-class heart surgeon, he likely earned a high income during his medical years. Most sources estimate his net worth to be between $1 million and $3 million, accumulated through decades of medical practice and authorship.
Still, Nelson lived humbly and often emphasized spiritual wealth over material possessions, teaching that “a man’s true value is measured by his service to others.”
Russell M Nelson Biography
Early Life
Russell M Nelson was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, during the Great Depression. His parents, Marion C. Nelson and Floss Edna Anderson Nelson, taught him the values of hard work, honesty, and perseverance.
As a boy, Nelson showed remarkable curiosity and intelligence. He attended public schools and graduated early due to his academic excellence. Despite economic struggles during his childhood, he was determined to pursue higher education, driven by his dream to help others through medicine. His strong family foundation and early spiritual experiences shaped his lifelong commitment to service.
Education
The education of Russell M Nelson was exceptional. He attended the University of Utah, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree and Doctor of Medicine (MD) in record time — only three years.
Later, he completed a Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota, focusing on surgical research. Nelson also studied abroad to improve his surgical skills, learning from top European and American medical pioneers.
His dedication to learning was one reason russell m nelson age never became an obstacle. He often reminded students that “the pursuit of knowledge keeps the mind young.”
Family
Russell M Nelson’s family life reflected deep love and faith. He married Dantzel White in 1945, whom he met while both were performing in a church musical. They had ten children together — nine daughters and one son.
After Dantzel passed away in 2005, Nelson married Wendy L. Watson, a professor of marriage and family therapy, in 2006. The couple shared a strong spiritual bond and often appeared together in church broadcasts and conferences.
His family frequently described him as kind, humorous, and attentive — a man who made time for everyone despite his busy schedule.
Personal Life
In his personal life, Russell M Nelson valued balance between spiritual service, family, and self-discipline. He served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during the Korean War, where he helped save lives as a surgeon.
He spoke multiple languages, traveled extensively, and maintained a daily habit of prayer and study. Friends and colleagues often remarked that even with his demanding schedule, Nelson remained humble and approachable.
Throughout his long life, russell m nelson age never slowed his curiosity or compassion. He continued to read, write, and learn about modern medical advancements even after retirement.
Lifestyle
Even at russell m nelson age 100, he led an active lifestyle. He exercised regularly, maintained a balanced diet, and avoided harmful habits. His discipline in health and spirituality contributed to his impressive longevity.
He was known to wake up early, study scriptures, attend meetings, and mentor young leaders. Despite global responsibilities, he remained cheerful and optimistic. His lifestyle proved that living with purpose and faith can sustain energy and clarity for over a century.
Russell M Nelson Height and Weight
While exact measurements were not officially published, most reports describe Russell M Nelson as approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing around 160 pounds in his later years.
Even in old age, he maintained good posture and fitness, often seen walking unaided and engaging energetically with people. His overall appearance reflected dignity, health, and vitality — traits admired by millions who followed his teachings.
Russell M Nelson Media Presence
Russell M Nelson maintained a global presence through the official LDS Church media platforms.
- The Church’s YouTube and Facebook pages regularly featured his sermons, messages, and travel updates.
- He appeared in interviews on major outlets such as The Washington Post, AP News, and People Magazine, especially around milestones like his 100th birthday and centennial messages.
- Despite his high position, he used modern media modestly — focusing on spreading faith and hope rather than self-promotion.
His humility and spiritual warmth made his messages trend across multiple languages and continents.
- Instagram: @russellmnelson
- Twitter: Russell M. Nelson
- Facebook: Russell M. Nelson
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current russell m nelson age?
Russell M Nelson was 101 years old when he passed away on September 27, 2025.
When did Russell M Nelson become President of the Church?
He became President on January 14, 2018, at the age of 93.
How many children does Russell M Nelson have?
He had ten children, including nine daughters and one son.
What did Russell M Nelson do before becoming a church leader?
He was a world-famous heart surgeon and medical researcher who contributed to open-heart surgery innovations.
What was Russell M Nelson’s height and weight?
He was approximately 5’10” tall and weighed around 160 pounds in later years.
Conclusion
The life and legacy of Russell M Nelson show how one individual can impact both science and faith across generations. Reaching the remarkable russell m nelson age of 101, he became a living example of lifelong learning, discipline, and devotion.
From performing heart surgeries to guiding millions spiritually, Nelson’s story is one of perseverance and compassion. His journey reminds us that age should never limit ambition or service to others.
In the end, russell m nelson age symbolizes not just the number of years lived, but the depth of wisdom and kindness he shared with the world. His life continues to inspire doctors, believers, and dreamers everywhere — proving that a purposeful heart truly never grows old.