He was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a youth he enjoyed singing and athletics. He was the quarterback of his high school football team and a halfback at the University of Utah. He is an Eagle Scout. Elder Wirthlin graduated from the University of Utah in business administration. He served a mission to Germany and Switzerland. When he returned in 1939, he took over the family business, because his father had been called to be the Presiding Bishop of the Church. Before his call as a General Authority, Elder Wirthlin was a prominent business leader in Salt Lake City. He was also president of a trade association in Utah. In 1940, he met Elisa Rogers. They were married on May 26, 1941, in the Salt Lake Temple. They have eigh