Loss is a part of life that touches everyone, even the strongest leaders. In the spring of 1995, the Latter-day Saint community witnessed a very personal moment of grief. Russell M. Nelson, who was an Apostle at the time, stood to speak just a short time after a major family tragedy. He had recently lost his daughter, Emily Nelson Wittwer, to a battle with cancer. His speech was not just a sermon; it was a father’s goodbye and a testimony of hope. This article explores the life of Emily Nelson Wittwer, the pain her family felt, and the powerful message her father shared with the world.
Quick Bio of Emily Nelson Wittwer
| Feature | Detail |
| Full Name | Emily Nelson Wittwer |
| Birth Date | January 15, 1958 |
| Death Date | January 29, 1995 |
| Age at Death | 37 Years Old |
| Father | Russell M. Nelson |
| Mother | Dantzel White Nelson |
| Spouse | Bradley Wittwer |
| Children | 5 Children |
| Siblings | 9 Siblings |
| Cause of Death | Cancer |
| Hometown | Salt Lake City, Utah |
| Key Tribute | “Children of the Covenant” |
| Faith | Latter-day Saint |
Who Was Emily Nelson Wittwer?
Emily Nelson Wittwer was born into a large and loving family. She arrived on January 15, 1958, as the daughter of Russell M. Nelson and Dantzel White Nelson. She was one of ten children in the Nelson home. From the time she was a little girl, she was surrounded by faith. Her parents taught her to love God and to serve other people. She grew up in a home where music, prayer, and kindness were very important.
As she grew older, Emily Nelson Wittwer became known for her bright spirit. She had a smile that could light up a room. She was not just a daughter; she was a friend to her nine siblings. Her early life prepared her for the challenges she would face later. She learned that life is not always easy, but faith makes it better. This foundation was essential for the woman she would become.
A Mother and a Wife
Eventually, Emily Nelson Wittwer met and married a good man named Bradley Wittwer. They loved each other very much. Together, they built a family of their own. They were blessed with five children. Being a mother was one of the greatest joys of her life. She taught her children the same lessons she learned from her own parents. She wanted them to be happy and to know that they were loved.
Her marriage to Bradley Wittwer was based on strong promises. In their faith, they believed their marriage was for eternity, not just for this life. This belief gave them strength. Emily Nelson Wittwer focused on making her home a place of peace. Even when she was busy with five kids, she tried to keep a positive attitude. She was an example of a dedicated mother and a faithful wife.
The Difficult Diagnosis
Life changed suddenly for the Wittwer and Nelson families. In her mid-30s, Emily Nelson Wittwer began to feel sick. After seeing doctors, she received terrible news. She was diagnosed with cancer. This is a word that no family wants to hear. It was especially hard because she was so young and had small children who needed her.
The cancer was aggressive. It spread to different parts of her body. Despite the best efforts of doctors, the disease continued to grow. Emily Nelson Wittwer faced this challenge with amazing bravery. She did not become angry or bitter. Instead, she focused on the time she had left. She wanted to make sure her family knew how much she loved them. Her courage during this time inspired everyone who knew her.
A Time of Deep Sorrow
The beginning of 1995 was a very heavy time for Russell M. Nelson. He was watching his daughter suffer. As a father, he wanted to fix it. He was a heart surgeon by profession, used to saving lives. But he could not save Emily Nelson Wittwer from this disease. It was a helpless feeling for a man who had helped so many other people.
On January 29, 1995, Emily Nelson Wittwer passed away. She was only 37 years old. Her death left a hole in the hearts of her husband, her five children, and her parents. The family gathered to mourn her loss. They cried together and prayed for comfort. Losing a child is often called the hardest trial a parent can face. For the Nelson family, the grief was fresh and very deep.
A Double Tragedy for the Church
The death of Emily Nelson Wittwer was not the only sad event during that time. The entire Church was also grieving. Just 33 days after Emily died, the President of the Church, Howard W. Hunter, also passed away. This happened on March 3, 1995. President Hunter was a beloved leader.
For Russell M. Nelson, this was a double blow. He lost his precious daughter and his ecclesiastical leader almost at the same time. The Church was in a state of mourning. It was in this heavy atmosphere that the April 1995 General Conference approached. Everyone wondered what the leaders would say during such a sad time.
The April 1995 General Conference
General Conference is a big meeting held twice a year. Members of the Church gather to hear from the prophet and apostles. In April 1995, thousands of people tuned in. They were expecting messages of guidance. Russell M. Nelson was scheduled to speak. Many people knew he had just lost his daughter, Emily Nelson Wittwer.
When he stood at the pulpit, the room was quiet. People looked at him with sympathy. They knew he was hurting. But he did not look broken. He looked strong. He was there to do his duty as an Apostle. He was there to teach about Jesus Christ, even while his own heart was aching.
“Children of the Covenant”
The title of his talk was “Children of the Covenant.” In this speech, he spoke about the importance of keeping promises to God. He used the examples of two people who had recently died. One was President Howard W. Hunter, and the other was his daughter, Emily Nelson Wittwer. He linked them together because they both lived faithful lives.
He spoke about how Emily Nelson Wittwer lived. He said she was a true child of the covenant. This means she kept her promises to God until the very end. He wanted the audience to understand that death is not the end of everything. He used her life as a teaching moment. It was a very brave thing to do so soon after her funeral.
A Father’s Emotional Confession
During the talk, Russell M. Nelson shared a very vulnerable thought. He spoke about his power as an Apostle. He said he held the keys of the kingdom. But then he admitted something profound. He said he did not hold the keys of the Resurrection. He said that Jesus Christ holds those keys.
He told the audience that if he had the power, he would have brought Emily Nelson Wittwer back to life. He missed her that much. But he knew he could not. He had to trust in Jesus Christ. This admission showed his deep love for his daughter. It also showed his humility. He accepted that God’s plan was bigger than his own desires.
The “I Love You” Story
One of the most touching parts of his tribute was a story about phone calls. Russell M. Nelson shared a detail about how Emily Nelson Wittwer ended her conversations. He said she never used the word “goodbye.” Instead, she always said, “I love you.” This was her way of ending every interaction.
This small detail said a huge amount about her character. It showed that Emily Nelson Wittwer was full of love. She did not like finality. She preferred to leave things on a warm note. Her father found great comfort in this memory. He held onto those words after she was gone. It taught the listeners to express love to their families while they still can.
Understanding the Resurrection
The core message of the talk was about the Resurrection. Because of Emily Nelson Wittwer, her father spoke about this topic with new power. He testified that she would live again. He explained that death is like a gateway. It is a door we all must walk through. But on the other side, there is life.
He explained that because Emily Nelson Wittwer was faithful, she was happy. He pictured her in the spirit world. He believed she was free from the pain of cancer. This belief is what gave the family peace. Without this hope, their grief would have been too hard to bear. The doctrine of the Resurrection became very real to them.
The Legacy of Emily Nelson Wittwer
Even though she died young, Emily Nelson Wittwer left a big legacy. Her story has been read by millions of people. Because her father spoke about her, her example reached the whole world. People who are sick find comfort in her bravery. People who are grieving find hope in her father’s words.
Her life shows that you do not have to be old to make a difference. Emily Nelson Wittwer made a difference by being kind and faithful. Her legacy is not just in her children, but in the lessons she taught us about dying well. She showed that you can face death without fear if you have faith.
Comfort for the Grieving
This tribute is a resource for anyone who is sad. Many people lose loved ones and feel lost. The story of Emily Nelson Wittwer helps them feel less alone. It reminds them that even prophets and apostles feel sadness. It validates their tears. Russell M. Nelson said that his “tears of sorrow have flowed.”
But it also points them to the source of peace. The article highlights that peace comes from Jesus Christ. Just as Emily Nelson Wittwer trusted Him, we can trust Him too. The story moves from sadness to hope. It encourages people to look forward to a happy reunion in heaven.
The Family Remembers
The five children of Emily Nelson Wittwer have grown up now. They have their own lives. But they still remember their mother. They remember her laugh and her love. The tribute their grandfather gave is a special gift to them. It is a permanent record of how wonderful their mother was.
Bradley Wittwer also had to move forward. Losing his wife was incredibly hard. But he had the support of the Nelson family. They stayed close. The memory of Emily Nelson Wittwer is a bond that holds them together. They often speak of her and keep her memory alive in their homes.
Why This Message Matters Today
It has been many years since 1995. However, the message is still relevant. People still get sick. People still die. The story of Emily Nelson Wittwer is timeless. It addresses the universal human experience of death. We all need to know that there is hope after we die.
We can look back at that talk and learn. We can learn to say “I love you” more often. We can learn to keep our covenants like Emily Nelson Wittwer did. Her father’s tribute is a classic piece of church literature. It stands as a monument to a father’s love and a daughter’s faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was Emily Nelson Wittwer?
Emily Nelson Wittwer was the daughter of Russell M. Nelson and a faithful mother of five who died young.
2. What caused the death of Emily Nelson Wittwer?
She passed away at the age of 37 after a brave and difficult battle with cancer.
3. When did President Nelson speak about Emily Nelson Wittwer?
He spoke about her in April 1995 during a General Conference talk titled “Children of the Covenant.”
4. How many children did Emily Nelson Wittwer leave behind?
She is survived by her husband, Bradley Wittwer, and their five children.
5. What lesson did Emily Nelson Wittwer teach her family?
She taught them to have faith in God and always ended her phone calls with “I love you” instead of goodbye.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the death of Emily Nelson Wittwer was a tragedy that turned into a teaching moment. Russell M. Nelson showed great strength by speaking about her so soon after she died. He turned his private pain into a public message of hope. Emily Nelson Wittwer was a shining example of a “Child of the Covenant.” Her life was short, but her impact was long. Through her story, we are reminded that families can be together forever and that love never truly dies.
Discover more stories on purpose-driven leadership and community impact Buzz Mega.
