"I’ve know Frank for more then 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."

Mike ended the tribute with, "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's co-star Danielle Colby shared a series of photos with her late friend to pay tribute.

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."

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"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."

FANS PAY TRIBUTE

Fans reacted to the tragic news and shared kind words about the popular TV personality.

"Mike I am so sorry for your loss. Frank was such a big part of your life and became an important figure in American culture through your mutual efforts with the show," one fan wrote.

Another said, "Oh man, hate to hear this so much. Really enjoyed getting to know him with you."

A third wrote, "So sorry to hear this news Mike. We definitely had some laughs together and he will be missed."

HEALTH STRUGGLES

Frank suffered a stroke in his Iowa home in July 2022 that left him in and out of the hospital and rehabilitation through the years.

He has had various stints in the hospital, including pneumonia.

Despite his medical setbacks, a source told The U.S. Sun that Frank was “improving daily.”

“You’re never 100 percent after a stroke, but he’s fine. He’s aware of what’s going on," a friend of Frank’s previously told The U.S. Sun in 2023.

"If he were sitting here right now, you could sit and talk to him. He’s the same old Frank.”

Frank was wheelchair-bound after suffering the stroke.

“He can walk, but he’s always going to need the wheelchair because he can’t walk long distances,” the pal shared.

“Basically, you lose motion. He lost motion. A stroke can affect your left or your right side, it affected his right side.”

CONSERVATORSHIP

The U.S. Sun reported a conservatorship was filed for Frank in August 2022, just weeks after the stroke.

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.”

The guardian’s role is to help Frank with his Crohn's disease treatment, bring him to physical therapy, and help him grocery shop, cook and more.

Frank lived in his native Davenport, Iowa in a farmhouse.

He owns store Frank Fritz Finds, which his guardian helped run during his medical issues.

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

LEAVING PICKERS

Frank's final episode was in March 2020, as he had exited the program to recover from his brutal back surgery that left him with 185 stitches and two rods in his spine.

During his time off, Frank lost 65 pounds, and was living a healthier lifestyle, including being sober from alcohol.

He had previously been open about wanting to return to the series after his hiatus.

However, his termination was confirmed by Mike in 2021, as he said: "I will miss Frank, just like all of you, and I pray for the very best and all good things for him on the next part of his journey.”