AMERICAN Pickers star Frank Fritz’s final days have been revealed before his sad passing two years after suffering a debilitating stroke.
Frank passed away on Monday, September 30 at age 60 with loved ones, including American Pickers co-star Mike Wolfe, by his side.
Frank Fritz died at age 60 on September 30[/caption]
Frank Fritz needed 24/7 care in his final days[/caption]
Frank Fritz starred on American Pickers from 2010 to 2020[/caption]
In the weeks leading up to Frank’s passing, he continued to suffer from complications from the July 2022 stroke.
A source exclusively told The U.S. Sun, “He has been bad since the stroke and he had been getting worse.
“He was unable to move the right side of his body. He needed 24-hour care.
“There was no way he was getting better. He was in a home.”
In August 2022, Frank’s close friends filed a conservatorship after his stroke a month prior.
In July 2024, conservator MidWestOne demanded Frank’s finances be transferred to them, as the star needed “skilled” and “long-term” nursing care at the time.
HEALTH CRISIS
The passing comes two years after Frank suffered a stroke in his Iowa home in July 2022.
Frank was unable to recover from the stroke fully, as he was rushed to the hospital four times in 2022 and 2023, for pneumonia and a seizure.
He was left wheelchair-bound and a ramp was installed outside of his Iowa farmhouse, though he wasn’t there for long before going to a rehabilitation center.
“He can walk, but he’s always going to need the wheelchair because he can’t walk long distances,” a source previously told The U.S. Sun in August 2023.
“Basically, you lose motion. He lost motion. A stroke can affect your left or your right side, it affected his right side.”
But the insider insisted Frank never lost his lovable personality, as the source said at the time, “He’s the same old Frank. He has a good attitude and a great sense of humor.
“We crack jokes all the time. You gotta make the best of the situation so he’s come to terms with all of that.
“His mind is right, he’s a happy guy and his sense of humor is there.”
CONSERVATORSHIP
Frank’s close friends filed for a conservatorship and guardianship for him in August 2022.
MidWestOne Bank acted as Frank’s conservator, while his close friend Chris Davis served as his guardian.
“Because of his stroke, Mr. Fritz’s decision-making capacity is so impaired that he is unable to care for his own safety or to provide for necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, or medical care without which physical injury or illness may occur,” documents obtained by The U.S. Sun read.
“Mr. Fritz’s decision-making capacity is so impaired that he is unable to make, communicate, or carry out important decisions concerning his own financial affairs.
“Decisions must be made for Mr. Fritz’s care and placement while he continues to recover and receive treatment for his injuries.”
The appointment of a guardian and conservator was deemed “necessary” to “avoid immediate harm to him.”
Frank Fritz’s Conservatorship
Frank Fritz was placed under a conservatorship in August 2022, just weeks after he suffered a stroke.
- Frank’s conservator is MidWestOne Bank and is in charge of his finances
- The bank agreed to invest Frank’s money and collections to generate income
- The guardian is his good friend Chris Davis
- Chris is responsible for helping Frank manage his Crohn’s disease treatment, go to physical therapy, grocery shop, cook and more day-to-day tasks
- The conservatorship also agreed to help replenish Frank’s Iowa antique store, Frank Fritz Finds
- A wheel-chair ramp and more have been installed in his Iowa home under the conservatorship
PAYING TRIBUTE
Mike announced Frank’s passing on Tuesday morning with an Instagram post that read, “It’s with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night.
“I’ve known Frank for more than half my life and what you’ve seen on TV has always been what I have seen, a dreamer who was just as sensitive as he was funny.
“The same off camera as he was on, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself.
“Who would have ever dreamed we would share the cockpit of a white cargo van in front of millions of people interested in our adventures?
“Before the show we would take off together to places we never knew existed with no destination in mind and just the shared passion to discover something interesting and historic.”
The tributes also came pouring in from fans and more costars, including Danielle Colby.
She wrote, “Frank, I will miss your ability to make everyone laugh, your love for talking tattoos, your epic collections but what I will miss the most are those little glimpses of vulnerability from time to time.
“Frank, you loved your cat and your momma and we bonded on those things. You will be missed for all of these reasons and so many more.
Rest in Peace Road Dog.”
Robbie Wolfe, who replaced Frank on American Pickers, shared, “It’s with a heavy heart I’m sad to say my friend Frank Fritz has passed away last night.
“You all knew him from TV. But I knew him from traveling, fishing and family. He was the godfather to my twin girls. His smile was contagious and his laughter will be missed.
“Most of all just time sitting in a fishing boat talking about life. I know you’re in a better place… Love you buddy hope you catch the big one until we see each other in heaven hold the boat steady.”
SAYING GOODBYE
Frank’s guardian previously told The U.S. Sun of funeral plans for the late History Channel star.
“There will be a celebration of life in the future. It will be big. Fans can attend.
“We already have several bands who want to play in it, including my band. This will probably take place in the spring.”
Chris added of his close friend, “I will say Frank loved his fans and he passed away peacefully with friends at his side.”
REALITY STAR
Frank appeared on American Pickers from 2010 to 2020.
The official American Pickers Instagram account posted in honor of Frank, “We are saddened to share that our friend and beloved member of The HISTORY Channel and American Pickers family, Frank Fritz, has passed away on September 30, 2024.
“Frank filmed American Pickers for over a decade. We will always remember ‘the bearded charmer’ and his never-ending search for vintage motorcycles and bikes.
“Our thoughts are with Frank’s loved ones during this difficult time. He will be deeply missed.”
Frank’s final episode was in March 2020.
He left the show to recover from back surgery that left him with 185 stitches and two rods in his spine.
He had been open about wanting to return to the series after his hiatus, but was officially let go in 2021.
The two feuded for years before reconciling amid Frank’s health battles.
Frank Fritz’s longtime friend and co-star Mike Wolfe was by his side at the time of his passing[/caption]
Frank Fritz was a fan-favorite on American Pickers[/caption]
