John Charles Wirsen Sr.
John Charles Wirsen Sr.
John Charles Wirsen Sr., Born Dec. 10, 1943, passed away at his home in Springfield, Missouri on Oct. 22, 2022. John was born in Jamestown, New York, to his parents, who preceded him in death, Charles Knorr Wirsen, and Jeanette Marie (Johnson) Wirsen.
John is survived by twin brother, James Wirsen and wife Martha, of Jamestown, and his sister, Mary Schwartz, of Frewsburg, New York. John was a resident of Jamestown, New York until graduating Bemus Point High School in 1961. He joined the US Navy in 1961 after graduation, and served until December of 1964.
After returning from military service, John began work as a carpenter, and this led to his lifelong career as a commercial construction superintendent. John is survived by his first wife, Barbara (Olson) Wirsen, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and their two children, Amy Tuininga, as well as her husband Chris, of Brewster, New York, and John Wirsen Jr. of Wilmington, North Carolina.
In addition, he is survived by his loving grandchildren, Cara Tuininga, Vaughn Wirsen, and Hollis Wirsen. John is further survived by his wife, Betty (Hammond) Wirsen, and their son Wyatt Wirsen, and his step-children Travis, Leatha, Brian, Angelica, and Nicholas, all of Springfield, Missouri. Additionally, he is survived by sixteen step-grandchildren who he enjoyed sharing his cookies and stories with.
John was an avid hunter, and fisherman in his younger years. He also began long distance running in his forties, and participated in several marathons. He continued hunting and fishing for as long as he was able after retirement, and was happy to teach those skills to the younger generations.
John’s knowledge and influence touched four generations, and his presence will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services, Springfield, MO.