Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Dieter F. Uchtdorf – Life, Career, and Guiding Principles

Dieter F. Uchtdorf (born November 6, 1940) is a German aviator, airline executive, and prominent religious leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Explore his journey from refugee childhood to cockpit and pulpit, his leadership, writings, and enduring messages.

Introduction

Dieter Friedrich Uchtdorf is more than a “businessman” — his life spans multiple domains: aviation, executive leadership, and deep religious service. Born November 6, 1940, he is best known today as an apostle and former counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). His story is one of resilience, faith, and a unique blend of worldly competence with spiritual humility.

Early Life and Family

Uchtdorf was born in Mährisch Ostrau (then in the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia; today Ostrava, Czech Republic) to Karl Albert Uchtdorf and Hildegard Opelt Uchtdorf.

In 1947, while still a young boy, his family converted to the LDS Church in Zwickau, Germany. Frankfurt, West Germany, escaping the pressures of Soviet-controlled Eastern Germany.

His upbringing was shaped both by hardship and by his mother’s and grandmother’s faith influences, especially a story about his grandmother meeting a member of the LDS Church in a soup line, which set in motion their family’s spiritual path.

Education & Aviation Career

Early Education

Uchtdorf began studies in mechanical engineering before shifting into business studies. MBA from the International Institute for Management Development in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Military & Flight Training

In 1959, at age 19, Uchtdorf volunteered for the West German Air Force (Bundeswehr) as a fighter pilot. Commander’s Trophy (USA F) as the best student pilot in his class.

He served as a fighter pilot in Germany for about six years, leaving that role in 1965 to join Lufthansa German Airlines.

Airline Executive

At Lufthansa he enjoyed a distinguished career:

• By age 29, he had become a captain.

• In 1975, he was appointed head of Lufthansa’s pilot training school in Arizona, U.S.

• In 1980, he became chief of cockpit and cabin crews, and in 1982 he was promoted to senior vice president of flight operations.

• He remained with Lufthansa until 1996, retiring from executive duties.

During his tenure, he was also involved in broader aviation governance, including as chairman of the Flight Operations Committee of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Religious Service & Leadership

Early Church Service

After his professional success, Uchtdorf’s callings within the LDS Church deepened:

• In 1994, he was called as a general authority, entering the Second Quorum of the Seventy.

• In 1996, he was transferred to the First Quorum of the Seventy.

• In 2002, he became a member of the Presidency of the Seventy.

Apostleship & First Presidency

On October 2, 2004, Uchtdorf was sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. October 7, 2004 by President Gordon B. Hinckley.

In February 2008, following his appointment, he became Second Counselor in the First Presidency under President Thomas S. Monson, serving until Monson’s death in January 2018.

As of now, he is among the senior apostles in the LDS Church.

Personality, Themes & Influence

Uchtdorf is often praised for his humility, warmth, and ability to communicate profound spiritual principles in simple, accessible ways. His background in aviation and executive leadership gives him a unique posture in religious leadership — combining technical competence, global perspective, and spiritual sensitivity.

He frequently uses metaphors of flight, navigation, and course correction in his sermons, encouraging listeners to keep hope aloft even through turbulence. (This motif is well known among LDS audiences.)

He is also known for emphasizing grace, resilience, and optimism in the face of challenges — that one can overcome setbacks not merely through willpower, but through faith. Many of his addresses focus on joy, gratitude, and the importance of striving forward even after failures.

Notable Works & Messages

Some of his published works include:

• Forget Me Not

• Your Happily Ever After

• The Remarkable Soul of a Woman

• Sister Eternal
  These books blend personal reflection with scriptural insight and pastoral encouragement.

He is also known for keynote addresses like “Of Regrets and Resolutions” and talks about discipleship, identity, and faith.

Lessons from Dieter F. Uchtdorf

1. Adversity can fuel vision
   His childhood in a war-torn Europe and refugee experience didn’t define him — they sharpened his resolve, empathy, and perspective.

2. Integrate profession and purpose
   His life shows that excellence in secular roles (as pilot and executive) can complement and enrich spiritual leadership.

3. Speak in metaphors people understand
   By drawing on flight imagery and everyday experiences, he makes spiritual truths more tangible.

4. Lead with humility and kindness
   His style is less about power and more about invitation, encouragement, and gentle correction.

5. Keep forward momentum
   One recurrent message: in life’s turbulence, you may fail, but you can still rise, reorient, and press onward.