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Joseph L. Wirthlin

1893 – 1963

LDS Church bishop

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About Joseph L. Wirthlin

Lived 1893 – 1963 (aged 69). Joseph L. Wirthlin was a priest.

Joseph Leopold Wirthlin (August 14, 1893 – January 25, 1963) was the eighth presiding bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).

Wirthlin was born in Salt Lake City, Utah Territory. He served as a missionary in the church's Swiss–German Mission in 1913 and 1914. He served as bishop of the Salt Lake 33rd Ward in the Liberty Stake from 1928 to 1935. On October 27, 1935, the Liberty Stake was split and the Bonneville Stake was organized with Wirthlin as its first president. He was set apart by Joseph Fielding Smith.

Wirthlin became a general authority in 1938 when he was called as a counselor to LeGrand Richards in the presiding bishopric. In 1952, LDS Church president David O. McKay called Wirthlin to be the church's eighth presiding bishop. Wirthlin called Thorpe B. Isaacson and Carl W. Buehner as his counselors. Wirthlin and his counselors served until 1961.

Wirthlin died in Salt Lake City, Utah, at LDS Hospital of heart failure, and was buried at Salt Lake City Cemetery.

Wirthlin and his wife, Madeline Bitner, were the parents of five children, including Joseph B. Wirthlin, who served as a member of the church's Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Their other children were Judith Wirthlin Parker; Gwendolyn Wirthlin McConkie; Richard B. Wirthlin, a former general authority; and David Bitner Wirthlin, a former president of the church's Nauvoo Illinois Temple.

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Important facts

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Also known as
Joseph Leopold Wirthlin

People in Joseph L. Wirthlin's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

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Frequently asked questions

Who was Joseph L. Wirthlin?

LDS Church bishop (1893-1963)

When was Joseph L. Wirthlin born?

Joseph L. Wirthlin was born on 14 August 1893 in Salt Lake City.

When did Joseph L. Wirthlin die?

Joseph L. Wirthlin died on 25 January 1963 in St. George.

What was Joseph L. Wirthlin's occupation?

Joseph L. Wirthlin was a priest.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Joseph L. Wirthlin

· Wikidata: Q6284761

· DBpedia: Joseph L. Wirthlin

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Joseph L. Wirthlin. https://biography.guide/joseph-l-wirthlin/

MLA: "Joseph L. Wirthlin." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/joseph-l-wirthlin/.

Chicago: "Joseph L. Wirthlin." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/joseph-l-wirthlin/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-25 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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