Events
Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Dr. LeRoy Samuel Wirthlin, peacefully passed away in his home on Thursday, September 12, 2024.
Roy was born on April 11, 1935, in New York City to Emilie Stiefel and LeRoy Alvin Wirthlin. Roy was the oldest of their four children and spoke fondly of childhood memories with his siblings, Ralph, Barbara, and Alvin. At a very young age Roy began leading his siblings while comfortably navigating and exploring through New York City’s sites and museums. He also led them on outdoor adventures and hunting small animals during the summers spent on their remote and primitive farm in Upstate New York. Roy began his first job delivering prescription medication on his bicycle all over Queens at the age of 11. He learned how to work hard and the value of the dollar, buying all of his personal items from that time forward.
Roy loved and honored his parents throughout his life. His mother converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Switzerland and immigrated to America. Her faith had a profound impact on him. She was a gifted artisan in needlepoint and a professional seamstress who taught Roy the art of hand stitching. His father was a surgeon with an office attached to their home in Flushings, NY. Roy always wanted to be just like his father as he watched his father make house calls with his black doctor bag in his Model T-Ford. As the son of a doctor and a seamstress, Roy fulfilled his childhood dream and later became a talented surgeon. He did not take for granted the sacrifices of his parents and forbears that paved the way for a life of faith, hard work, family, and service.
While in high school, Roy’s family moved from Queens, NY, to a farm in Taylorsville, UT. He excelled academically at Granite High School and was admitted at age 15 to the University of Utah as part of the university’s Ford Scholars program. His life achievements were recognized by his high school alma mater when he officially received his high school diploma and was inducted into the Granite High School Hall of Fame in 1993.
Roy had a deep faith in God and in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. As a young adult, he served a 3-year mission to the Swiss Austria Mission. During this mission, he saw two women in an open market who sounded and acted like his mother. He met them and they said, “This must be Emilie’s boy.” He expressed gratitude that he miraculously had met two of his living aunts and later other relatives on his mission. He loved preaching the gospel in German. He continued to have an abiding interest in his Swiss heritage and Germanic culture.
Roy met the love of his life, Mary Louise McEntire, a fellow student at the University of Utah. He recalled seeing her on campus. He was going up the steps and she was laughing with friends coming down the steps. In his mind he heard, “You are looking at your wife.” The feeling was so powerful that his knees buckled requiring him to grab the handrail. During their courtship when he proposed marriage, Mary only had two small requests – “16 children and a large house.” They were married for time and all eternity in the Logan temple on July 7, 1960. Over the next 24 years Roy and Mary welcomed a bonus 17 children into their family. He took great pride in his tireless efforts to lead and provide for his large family.
In his profession, Roy went on to study medicine at Harvard Medical School where he became a skilled surgeon, learning from his friend and mentor Dr. Robert Linton, who was a pioneer in the evolving field of vascular surgery. While working as teaching faculty at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Roy also took the opportunity to do a service surgical rotation in Africa. Despite the long hours and rustic outdoor conditions, he later recalled that this was some of the most satisfying work in his medical career. He left Africa humbled by the sincere gratitude of the patients and continued to have an enduring love for Africa the rest of his life.
At the height of the Vietnam War, Roy left his Harvard position to serve his country as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy stationed in Pensacola, FL. He provided medical care as a flight surgeon, conducted research on high-altitude physiology, and published several scientific papers. Roy joined the Naval pistol team and was an excellent marksman. Roy loved his country and the raising and lowering of the American flag each day.
Roy and Mary moved back to Boston where they had a full and busy life with 5 kids and growing family. He worked as academic faculty at Harvard Medical School providing clinical services and participating in medical research while simultaneously serving as an LDS Bishop. Miraculously though, there was a period of time where Roy was less busy at the hospital and was able to meticulously document the efforts of the renowned frontier surgeon Nathan Smith, who was the surgeon who treated and saved the young prophet Joseph Smith’s leg from amputation. Roy felt that this original research and its contribution to history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was his greatest academic achievement.
To focus more on their family of now 11 children, Roy and Mary moved from Boston to Bloomfield Hills, MI, where he brought his unique training and skills and developed a thriving surgical practice. He had a passion for surgery, worked long hours, and loved taking care of his patients, who he prayed for daily.
Roy lived with his growing family in Michigan for the next 25 years. They welcomed 6 more children to the group, 17 total, all graduating from Andover High School. Somehow, Roy found time to share his hobbies with his children. He loved motorcycles and the latest gadgets in computers, photography, and technology. He also loved bullet reloading and the science of cooking, baking, and grilling. Roy treated each hobby with the same precision and exactness as he performed in surgery.
Roy and Mary bought a small hobby farm in South Lyon, Michigan, so his children “could learn how to really work.” His respite from his surgical work was manual labor at the farm. He enjoyed driving the tractor, horseback riding, gardening, bailing hay, beekeeping, woodworking, target practice, apple cider making, sheep sheering, and caring for a variety of numerous pets and animals. His most cherished hobby was the thrill and excitement of big game hunting in Africa.
Roy held high expectations for all those around him and had a direct manor. However, pealing back the layers, he had a generous heart and privately gave freely to many. Roy was a natural storyteller. He could even captivate the attention of a room full of teenagers in Sunday School and bring them to tears with laughter.
His time in Bloomfield Hills was not without personal challenges. Roy endured the loss of his young daughter Julie, to cancer. He often said her death, “literally broke my heart.” Roy underwent open-heart surgery soon after. It also broke his heart to retire from his surgical practice. While recovering, he found purpose in serving as a Medical Missionary for The Church. In 2002, Roy and Mary were called to serve a 3-year mission, as mission president of the Munich Germany-Austria Mission. He loved his missionaries like his own children and spoke proudly of their faithful efforts in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Roy spent his golden years with Mary in Salt Lake City, Utah, and visits to their small farm in St. Charles, Idaho. He continued church service as an ordained Patriarch while relishing in his exponentially growing family. He truly found joy and rejoicing in his posterity, especially for his grandchildren, who lovingly called him “Opa.” He freely offered affection, bear hugs, and encouragement with all of his grandchildren and particularly enjoyed bragging about their individual feats and accomplishments. He would often say, “I have the best grandkids in the world!”
Roy was an exceptional person who lived an extraordinary life. He had a deep and abiding testimony of Jesus Christ. He often acknowledged miracles and the hand of the Lord guiding and protecting him at every turn. His life was full and he touched many people. Roy left a great legacy of faith, hard work, and love of family for generations to come.
LeRoy is preceded in death by his parents, brother Ralph, and daughter Julie. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary; his children- LeRoy (Rosemary), Richard (Gemina), Douglas (Kristina), Bryan (Kristina), Emily (John), Michael (RayAnne), Jeffery (Tami), Cheryl (Paul), Robert (Eva), Mary (Mark), Alison (Paul), Suzanne (Scott), Rebecca (Paul), Cathleen (Pete), John, Christina (Scott); 88 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and his sister Barbara and brother Alvin.
Funeral services will be held Friday September 20, 2024 at 11:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building located at 1320 S Wasatch Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah. A viewing will be held Thursday evening from 6:00-8:00 pm at the same location. A short viewing will be held the day of the service from 10:00-10:40 am.
Interment to take place at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S Highland Drive.
Those wishing to view the COMPLETED service via Zoom can click "Watch Service" or follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/1Id1zKiaVt2Ao_8CDxzkBpzol8z5j0puQ-aLxdAMXd3QdkRo2ChJPty20cIKXkum.vkK6G-mF2HQCT2iV?startTime=1726848363000
Guestbook/Condolences
My sincere condolences to the Wirthlin family from England. It’s been a pleasure to know and follow Brother Wirthlin. Fond memories will be kept in my heart.
Sending you our thoughts and prayers. What an incredible life lived! And what a reunion Opa is having with his family and friends. Especially his daughter - no doubt mending his heart.
Praying for peace for all of you during this time.
With love, Jeff and Trina Glines
I’m so sorry to hear of Brother Wirthlins passing.
As we know he’s waiting for us all to meet again. He has a beautiful family and has done well here on earth.. loved by friends, family and of course Heavenly Father.!
Love goes out to you all.!
Mark Behrends
What a great man and a great family. We will miss him.
I am just one of the many OR nurses that have worked with Dr Wirthlin. Worked with him at Sinai Hospital, Detroit MI and at Providence Hospital , Southfield Mi. He was the kindest , most caring surgeon I have ever known. After reading the tribute., I’m so amazed by his accomplishments. I am so blessed to have known Dr Wirthlin.. Sending prayers for the repose of his soul .. May he rest in peace …
I worked in the OR with Dr Wirthlin and he was truly a legend ! The beautiful tribute written here is proof of his wonderful legacy. I posted his obituary on our Providence Hospital Facebook page and so many people have commented on what a great man he was. May the angels surround him and God’s comfort and mercy surround him as he rests in peace
So sorry for your loss and sending you love and prayers and praying for your family and strength. I worked with him at Providence Hospital in Michigan. God bless the entire family.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Brother Wirthlin. Your family were important examples to Michael and I when we lived in the Bloomfield Hills ward. I had the privilege of working with many of you, his children. You were all amazing. May you be comforted by the warmth of your memories.
From everything I've seen and heard he was a remarkable loving man who will be deeply missed.
My prayers and condolences to the family. He was a great Dr. I am lucky and privileged to have known him and worked with him. May he Rest In Peace.
Sending our deepest condolences on behalf of the Jane Romney/Bruce Robinson family. Roy and Bruce shared life together, from Primary in Queens, to Ford Scholars at the U, Medical School , service during Vietnam and medical practice in Bloomfield Hills. We love your family and are praying for you at this time. Our mother Jane cares so deeply for you and our father Bruce preceded Roy through the veil just weeks ago.
My condolences to everyone in the family. He was extremely intelligent and had one of the strongest work ethics of anyone I knew. I used to start my day at 4:30a when he was driving to the hospital. He was able to balance his intelligence, his work with his compassion and love of family. making time late in the evenings. He is a great role model. As I told Rob, he did have a great sense of humor, one day Rob and I were playing songs at the piano, when we came across “Sunrise, Sunset.” While we were playing the tune, he quietly brought everyone in the house behind us, and started singing “Sunrise, Sunset,” laughing at us the entire time. I knew he was proud of the entire family. There wasn’t anything he couldn't accomplish when he set his mind. He will always be remembered.
My profound condolence on the passing of my esteemed friend and colleague. Leroy and I worked together at Sinai Hospital Detroit. He was a most respected vascular surgeon and always giving of his time. He will be missed by all who benefited from his expertise!
Wirthlin family-
I'm sending wholehearted condolences to the whole family. I hope that your grief at losing him is softened by the knowledge that he is now free from illness and pain. I will refrain from attending in person as to not cause any unintended issues or distractions. I will watch the funeral broadcast and be sending you all hugs from my heart..
Alissa
Dear Mary and family,
We send our love and deepest sympathy to you and your family. We really enjoyed reading Roy's obituary. He is a truly great and wonderful man. He led such an exemplary life. May the Lord bless and comfort you and your family. I am recovering from foot surgery, and I wish we could be there in person, but we will watch the service on Zoom.
With all our love, Lyman and Debbie Condie
Sending peace and comfort at this difficult time to all the Wirthlin family.
On behalf of the Walmart Fulfillment Engineering and Product Organization, we wanted to send our deepest felt condolences to Suzanne and family for your loss. We can only image how great of a person Dr. Wirthlin was based on how we know Suzanne carries herself both personally and professionally. Keeping the family in our thoughts and prayers.
Walmart Fulfillment Engineering and Product Organization
Ich bin Dankbar das er mein Missionspräsident wahr. Er bleit für mich immer in guter erinnerung . Liebe grüsse an seine Frau Mary und Familie mein tieftes Beileid.
Uncle Roy love you very much. God bless you and your family with all my love saying prayers for everyone. Annie Penman
Dear Cousin Mary and Family,
We send our love and say prayers for you during this tender time. May you all be blessed to remember the love and dedication that LeRoy gave to you. Our daughter, Sarah Jane, has wonderful memories of working with you and your Family when she and her husband, Vernon, lived iin Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. With love, Terry and Marilyn Rich
Bishop Wirthlin was my first Bishop after I was baptized in the Weston ward. He had a profound influence on my life through his Christ like example and his kind and gentle leadership. He will be dearly missed. He was a great ambassador of the Lord wherever he was!
Leroy Wirthlin was one of the greatest men ŵe met in our life, not only in the Church. He served in the Austria Swiss Mission, when Johann joined the Church. We admired him serving together with his beloved wife as mission president and we enjoyed so much meeting with both at the mission president Reunions during our visits at General Conference. In all these years, we admired to see and feel his great love for the countries of his missions, especially for Austria and for Vienna. Leroy Wirthlin was truely one of the greatest men we met. We look forward to meet him again at a reunion on the other side. We love him.
I will always love and be grateful to President Wirthlin. He had a profound impact on me, helping strengthen my testimony during the early part of my mission.
All my love to Sister Wirthlin, and to your family!
Aunt Mary and cousins,
So sorry about Uncle Roy's passing. You are an amazing family that I admire. I hope the best for all of you and my prayers are with you.
Rest In Love dear Doctor Leroy Wirthlin, it was an honor for us Emma's Elderly Home Care ( Uini Eli, Malia, Vee) to served and cared for you and Mary. Condolences to the Wirthlin family at this time. Thank you for everything.
On behalf of Emma's Elderly Home Care, we are extending our love and condolence to the Wirthlin family at this time, we were honored to has served and cared for Dr Leroy Wirthlin and Mary. We know that he is in a good place now and that Heavenly Father needs him now on the other side, we know that Mary will miss him dearly and we know that children will continue to care for her. Thank you for having us cared for you Dr Leroy Wirthlin and Mary. We love and appreciate you.
On behalf of Emma's Elderly Home Care, we are extending our love and condolence to the Wirthlin family at this time, we were honored to has served and cared for Dr Leroy Wirthlin and Mary. We know that he is in a good place now and that Heavenly Father needs him now on the other side, we know that Mary will miss him dearly and we know that children will continue to care for her. Thank you for having us cared for you Dr Leroy Wirthlin and Mary. We love and appreciate you.
It was a pleasure and honor to know the Wirthlin family...
They were an inspiration to all who came in contact with them..
Good people all !
Sincere condolences to his entire family.
They were privileged to have him in their presence.
It was a pleasure to know the family, especially CHERYLL.
They were the best !
We were so sorry to hear of Brother Wirthlin's passing. We appreciated his service, help and guidance as proselyting couple missionaries in Vienna. May the Lord bless and comfort you and your family.
Dear Family:
I was saddened to hear of LeRoy's passing. I knew him as a young missionary in the Swiss Austrian mission where my father, Jesse R. Curtis, served as his mission president.
I am Jesse R. Curtis daughter and was with my parents during the 3 years they served in Basel, Switzerland. I remember LeRoy as an outstanding and faithful elder. He was a leader.
With love and respect, Susan Curtis Porter, Mesa, Arizona
I remember times in the Weston Ward in Massachusetts. What an amazing family and life of service. Lots if love from the Alexander Family! What a legacy!
We did not learn of Roy's passing until long after it occurred. We met with Richard Bushman here in Virginia and we were shocked and saddened to learn of Roy's death. We shared a love of the Gospel and Missionary work as we served in the Frankfurt Mission while he and Mary served in Munich. We got to know each other there and then extended our friendship after the mission with our trips to SLC and Mary and Roy;s trips back here to Virginia. They were such fun and we were pleased to call them friends. We look forward to visiting again with them in the hereafter. The sacrifice of Christ is our great unifier and strength. God bless you Mary