John Ebenezer Wirkler, known widely on the Oberlin College campus as "Mr. Jack" during his long and varied career in the office of the Secretary and as Glee Club Director, first arrived in Oberlin as a transfer student from Bethel College, Newton, KA, in 1901. He was born in Wichita, Kansas, on July 2, 1879, the son of Christian and Elizabeth Badiger Wirkler. He earned both an A.B. degree (1903) and an A.M. degree (1904) from Oberlin College. He was an Instructor of History in the Oberlin Academy from 1904 to 1911. In 1911, he was appointed Assistant to the Secretary. He served in the Office of the Secretary in several capacities, including Assistant to the Secretary, 1911-1915, Assistant Secretary,1915-1938, Associate Secretary,1938-1945, and Emeritus Associate Secretary, 1945-1946. Wirkler also served as a special assistant to the Secretary and Director of Admissions, 1945-1946. He was involved in matters related to admissions, scholarships, financial aid and student employment, rooming for men, the weekly calendar, and catalogues.

He was perhaps best known by generations of students for his active and enthusiastic work with the Men's and Women's Glee Clubs. He joined the Oberlin Glee Club in 1901. By 1906 he assumed the directorship from which he retired in 1951. He also led the Women's Glee Club from 1918 to 1951. These popular groups performed regularly to eager audiences both on and off campus, including major tours during school breaks. During World War II, Wirkler directed Navy V-12 choruses and Navy men were members of the Glee Club. In addition, he conducted choirs in Oberlin, Elyria, and Lorain.

The many personal contacts through his various professional activities on campus endeared him to generations of students. In 1947, he received the Alumni Medal for distinguished service to Oberlin. In 1948, he edited a catalogue of graduates of Oberlin College.

John Wirkler married Virginia Norfleet Ballard (OC 1909) in Suffolk, Virginia, on January 14, 1908. The couple had three children, Sarah Elizabeth (OC enrolled 1926-1927), Richard B. (OC enrolled 1930-1933), and John E., Jr. (OC enrolled 1934-1936). The Wirklers were members of First Church in Oberlin.

John Wirkler died of a heart attack on May 9, 1958, in Oberlin, Ohio. His wife died on April 25, 1963, survived by their three children and several grandchildren.