Dieter F. Uchtdorf

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. He served in that position until January 2018. He was sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on October 2, 2004. He has served as a General Authority since April 1994. Previously Elder Uchtdorf served in numerous Church callings, including stake president twice and stake mission president in Germany.

Elder Uchtdorf was born on November 6, 1940, in Ostrava, Czechoslovakia, to Karl and Hildegard Opelt Uchtdorf. In 1947 his family became members of the Church in Zwickau, Germany. They fled to Frankfurt am Main in 1952, where he received an education in mechanical engineering.

In 1959 he joined the German Air Force and served for six years as a fighter pilot. During his professional work as an aviator and executive for Lufthansa German Airlines, he also was qualified as training and check captain on Boeing 737 and 747, Airbus, and DC-10. His executive positions included head of Lufthansa Pilot School in Arizona, head of all Lufthansa cockpit and cabin crews, and senior vice president and chief pilot of Lufthansa flight operations. He also served in civic and board responsibilities, including chairman of the Flight Operations Committee of the International Air Transport Association.

Dieter Uchtdorf and Harriet Reich married in 1962. They have two children, six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Since Elder Uchtdorf’s call as an Apostle, the Uchtdorfs’ permanent residence has been in the United States.

Dieter and Harriet Uchtdorf enjoy outdoor activities, cherish the arts, and are happiest when spending time with their family.