At noon on Tuesday, Oct. 7, President Russell M. Nelson's funeral was held in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, two days after the close of general conference.

President Nelson served as the leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 2018 until his passing Saturday, Sept. 27, at age 101.

As the funeral services began, the congregation rose to their feet as pallbearers brought in the casket, which rested in front of the podium for the duration of the services.

President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Dallin H. Oaks, presided and opened the services. Following that, the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square opened with a rendition of "Our Prayer to Thee," which was written by President Nelson.

The opening speakers were two of President Nelson's children: his daughter Laurie N. Marsh and Russell M. Nelson Jr. Both speakers shared memories of President Nelson as both their church leader and their father. Marsh also emphasized gratitude, which the following speakers touched on as well.

The speakers who followed Marsh and Nelson built on what they said, sharing memories, testimonies and gratitude.

Camille N. Johnson, Relief Society General President, was the third speaker. She spoke of President Nelson’s emphasis on the “spiritually invigorating work” of temples. She also said that every morning for the past three years, she would listen to President Nelson's general conference talks, especially his talks since he became president in 2018.

After another musical break by the Tabernacle Choir, three members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles — Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Elder Henry B. Eyring and President Dallin H. Oaks — took turns at the pulpit.

Elder Holland referred to President Nelson as “A man for whom the word ‘gentleman’ was created.” He also spoke of his time spent with the prophet and his ability to tirelessly visit with members of the church around the world. Elder Eyring and President Oaks followed up with their own personal experiences serving with President Nelson over the years.

The funeral was not only a gathering to celebrate the life of President Nelson, but a place for those who knew him well to share their testimony of him as a prophet of God. President Johnson shared how her interactions with President Nelson shaped her testimony of President Nelson as the prophet. Elder Eyring read a passage from the Book of Mormon, Alma 40:11-12, and bore testimony of what happens to those who are righteous and the certainty of the next life.

President Oaks explained what it was like sitting next to President Nelson in church meetings for the past 34 years, describing him as "thoughtful and wise" but less talkative than others. However, President Oaks said, when he became president of the Church, President Nelson transformed into a "decisive church decision maker."

President Oaks attributed President Nelson's experience as a heart surgeon to his ability to make quick decisions.

The Tabernacle Choir closed by singing "It is Well With My Soul," as the display screen in the Conference Center showed images from President Nelson's ministry over the years, including his travels the church members around the world.

As President Nelson's family and friends spoke, countless people who didn't know President Nelson as well gathered in the Conference Center to pay tribute to the late prophet. It was very much a celebration of the life and accomplishments of President Nelson.

"I am grateful to have known President Russell M. Nelson," said Elder Eyring.