'American Pickers' star Frank Fritz's friend reveals ‘big’ funeral plans after his death at 58
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'American Pickers' star Frank Fritz's guardian and close friend Chris Davis revealed ‘big’ funeral plans for the late History Channel actor.
Fritz died on Monday, September 30, at 58 after a long struggle with complications following a severe stroke he suffered in July 2022.
Frank Fritz's friend reveals ‘big’ funeral plans for the star
Davis informed The US Sun, "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."
He added, "I will say Frank loved his fans and he passed away peacefully with friends at his side."
Fritz's co-star and friend Mike Wolfe broke the news of the actor's demise on Tuesday, October 1 morning. He posted a picture with Fritz on Instagram and wrote, "It’s with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night."
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He added, "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."
He continued in the caption, "We’ve been on countless trips and shared so many miles and I feel blessed that I was there by his side when he took one last journey home. I love you buddy and will miss you so much I know you're in a better place."
Frank Fritz's health deteriorated leading up to his death
Frank Fritz's health significantly deteriorated in the weeks leading up to his death. A source told The US Sun that the 'American Pickers' star was suffering immensely.
The insider said, "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."
The complications took place after two years following his initial stroke, which left him permanently wheelchair-bound and dependent on others for his basic needs, the outlet mentioned.
A conservatorship was formed in August 2022 on his behalf due to the seriousness of his health situation. It allowed trusted individuals to handle his financial and medical decisions, as he was no longer able to do so himself.
Moreover, in July 2024, conservator MidWestOne Bank filed a petition to take control of Frank's finances, citing his growing need for long-term, skilled nursing care. His declining health meant that he could no longer manage his work or live independently.
The 'American Pickers' star was fully reliant on medical care
Fritz was hospitalized four times due to complications including pneumonia and seizures between 2022 and 2023. His condition left him fully dependent on medical care and the support of those around him.
His stay at his residence was short-lived as he was moved to a rehabilitation center where he could receive more extensive care despite having installed a ramp outside his Iowa farmhouse to accommodate his wheelchair.
A few months after suffering from a stroke, Frank’s friends took legal steps to ensure his safety and well-being and formed a conservatorship and guardianship in August 2022. MidWestOne Bank was appointed as his conservator, while Davis was chosen to be his guardian.
The documents, which were obtained by The US Sun, stated, "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."
