John E. Wirsing

John “Jack” E. Wirsing, age 93, of Saranac Lake, NY died Thursday December 11, 2025 at the Champlain Valley enior Community in Willsboro, NY.

Jack was born on December 13, 1931 in Albany, NY the son of Elmer and Florence (Spadaro) Wirsing. John married Mary Mertz in 1980.

Jack and Mary have lived in Saranac Lake, Lake Clear and the Plattsburgh area for many years. Prior to that John had lived in Albany, NY where he had been employed at SUNY Albany until his retirement. Jack was a veteran of the United States Army serving from 1952 to 1954 during the Korean War and was awarded two bronze service stars. He loved traveling with his wife Mary and was a member of the Lake Clear Senior Citizens and St. John’s in the Wilderness Catholic Church.

Jack is survived by one sister Mary Hatch of Waterford, NY, three sister-in-laws Helen Mertz of Troy, NY, Margaret Helmes of Wynantskill, NY and Virginia Mertz of Plattsburgh, NY, five brother-in-laws John Mertz, Sr of Malone, NY, Thomas Mertz of East Greenbush, NY, Michael Mertz of Renssealer, NY, Robert Mertz of Plattsburgh, NY and James Mertz of Renssealer, NY. John is also survived by many nieces and nephews, grandnieces and nephews as well as a lifelong neighbor and close friend Barbara Dukett of Cadyville, NY.

Funeral Arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home. A Graveside Service will be scheduled for the Spring and burial will take place in St. John’s in the Wilderness Catholic Cemetery in Lake Clear.

Family and friends wishing to remember Jack Wirsing can send memorial contributions to the St. Bernard’s Catholic School in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home, 20 Church Street, Saranac Lake, NY 12983. Family and friends can also share their memories and sign the online guest book at www.fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.