Wirthlin was born in Salt Lake City, Utah Territory.

He served as bishop of the Salt Lake 33rd Ward in the Liberty Stake from 1928 to 1935.

Wirthlin became a general authority in 1938 when he was called as a counselor to LeGrand Richards in the presiding bishopric.

Wirthlin called Thorpe B. Isaacson and Carl W. Buehner as his counselors.

Wirthlin died in Salt Lake City, Utah, at LDS Hospital of heart failure, and was buried at Salt Lake City Cemetery.