Remembering Frank Fritz: Details Of His Funeral & Legacy

Jermey Ortiz DVM 26 May 2025

Was it the final "pick"? The passing of Frank Fritz, a name synonymous with the thrill of the hunt and the allure of forgotten treasures, marked the end of an era for many. His funeral, a private affair, underscores a poignant truth: even the most public figures leave behind a deeply personal world.

Frank Fritz, recognized globally for his captivating presence on the History Channel's "American Pickers," died on July 19, 2022, at the age of 56, leaving an emptiness in the hearts of his followers and the antique-collecting community. A memorial service, a private and intimate gathering, took place on July 25, 2022, in Davenport, Iowa, the place he always called home.

The ceremony, though shielded from the public eye, saw an outpouring of love and respect from those closest to him. Among those in attendance were friends, former colleagues, and fellow pickers who shared countless adventures and unforgettable moments. Leading the service was Mike Wolfe, Frank's longtime friend and co-star, a testament to the deep bond they shared both on and off the screen.

Name	Frank Fritz
Birthdate	October 11, 1965
Birthplace	Davenport, Iowa
Deathdate	July 19, 2022
Occupation	Television personality, picker
Years Active	2010-2020 (American Pickers)
Known for	American Pickers
Net Worth (at time of death)	Approximately $6 Million
Cause of Death	Complications from Crohn's Disease
Resting Place	Private, Location Undisclosed
Reference Link	IMDb Profile

The news of Fritz's passing reverberated throughout the community, particularly because he had been grappling with health complications for several years. His battle with Crohn's disease, diagnosed in 2013, had led to multiple hospital visits and periods of intense struggle. Despite these challenges, his death came as a shock to many who admired his resilience and infectious spirit.

Frank Fritz's life serves as a poignant reminder that even those who entertain us and capture our attention on screen are not immune to the fragility of life. His death urges us to cherish the moments we have with our loved ones and to appreciate the contributions they make to our lives.

Frank Fritz's funeral was a private ceremony held on July 25, 2022, in Davenport, Iowa. The service was officiated by Fritz's longtime friend and fellow picker Mike Wolfe.

Date: July 25, 2022
Location: Davenport, Iowa
Officiant: Mike Wolfe
Attendees: Close friends and family
Service: Private
Burial: Private

The intimate nature of the gathering underscored a desire to mourn away from the glare of publicity, allowing those closest to Frank to remember him in a setting of warmth and shared memories. The absence of a public spectacle allowed for a more genuine and heartfelt goodbye.

The fact that Fritz had been managing health issues for quite some time leading up to his passing adds a layer of solemnity to the event. His diagnosis with Crohn's disease in 2013 meant that he had been living with chronic discomfort and the need for ongoing medical attention. His perseverance in the face of these health challenges was a testament to his strong will and determination.

The death of Frank Fritz is a powerful reminder that life's journey, regardless of fame or fortune, is ultimately finite. It is an encouragement to treasure the bonds we forge and the moments we share with those we hold dear. It prompts reflection on the importance of connection, kindness, and living each day to the fullest.

The date of Frank Fritz's funeral, July 25, 2022, is a significant marker, etching a moment of collective mourning into the timeline of those who knew and admired him. It is a fixed point from which to reflect on his life and the impact he had on so many.

Timing: Held six days after his death on July 19, 2022, the funeral date provided a necessary period for arrangements and for loved ones to travel and gather. It allowed for a respectful and organized farewell.
Planning: The intervening days allowed his family and closest associates to painstakingly arrange the details of the service, ensuring that it would accurately reflect his character and the importance of his relationships. It was a period of intense planning amidst profound grief.
Commemoration: This date serves as a focal point for memorializing and celebrating Fritz's life. It is a day reserved for remembrance, shared stories, and the collective appreciation of a life well-lived, even amidst its challenges.
Closure: The funeral date offered an opportunity for closure, helping attendees to process their grief and begin the journey of healing. It was a formal acknowledgement of loss and a step towards acceptance.

July 25, 2022, is therefore more than just a date; it's a symbol of remembrance, careful planning, and the start of a healing process for those who mourned Frank Fritz. It encapsulates the end of a life and the enduring legacy that remains.

The selection of Davenport, Iowa, as the location for Frank Fritz's funeral holds profound significance, deeply intertwined with his identity and the fabric of his life. It was a choice that resonated with authenticity and a respect for his roots.

Hometown: Davenport was not just a place on a map; it was the bedrock of Fritz's upbringing and the community that shaped his formative years. The decision to hold his funeral there underscored the enduring importance of his origins and the values he carried throughout his life.
Familiarity and Comfort: In times of grief, familiar surroundings can provide a sense of solace and stability. Davenport offered a comforting backdrop for family and friends as they came together to mourn and remember, reducing the emotional burden of an unfamiliar setting.
Accessibility: Choosing Davenport as the location ensured that more people could easily attend and pay their respects. Its relative accessibility meant that friends, family, and fans from near and far could gather to honor Fritz's memory.
Historical Context: The fact that Fritz's funeral coincided with Davenport's bicentennial celebration adds a unique historical layer. It connected his life and legacy to the broader narrative of the city, positioning him as a part of its ongoing story and cultural heritage.

Davenport, Iowa, served as the perfect setting for Frank Fritz's final farewell, blending personal history with community spirit and honoring his deep connection to the place he called home.

The choice of Mike Wolfe to officiate Frank Fritz's funeral is replete with meaning, reflecting a bond that transcended mere professional collaboration and delved into the realm of deep, personal friendship. It was a decision that spoke volumes about their relationship and the respect they held for one another.

Close Friendship: For over a decade, Wolfe and Fritz were not just co-stars but close confidants, sharing a common passion for uncovering hidden treasures and preserving historical artifacts. Their friendship was a defining feature of their public and private lives.
Understanding of Fritz's Life and Legacy: As a close friend, Wolfe possessed an intimate understanding of Fritz's values, struggles, and unique perspective on life. This knowledge enabled him to craft a eulogy that truly captured the essence of Fritz's spirit and celebrated his contributions.
Comfort for Fritz's Family and Friends: During a time of profound grief, the presence of a close friend can be incredibly comforting. Wolfe's role as officiant likely provided solace to Fritz's family and friends, knowing that he could articulate their shared loss and celebrate his life with genuine affection.
Meaningful Tribute: Wolfe's participation as officiant was, in itself, a powerful tribute to Fritz. It demonstrated the depth of their bond and the significant impact Fritz had on those who knew him, reinforcing his legacy as a beloved friend and colleague.

Mike Wolfe's presence as the officiant at Frank Fritz's funeral underscored the enduring strength of their friendship and served as a fitting and heartfelt tribute to a life that touched so many.

The presence of close friends and family at Frank Fritz's funeral highlights the profoundly personal and intimate nature of the event, emphasizing the importance of these relationships during times of loss.

Emotional Support: The gathering of close friends and family provided vital emotional support to those most deeply affected by Fritz's passing. Their presence offered comfort, empathy, and a shared sense of grief, helping to ease the burden of sorrow.
Shared Memories: These individuals shared a wealth of personal memories with Fritz, creating a collective narrative of his life. Their attendance allowed them to reminisce, celebrate his unique qualities, and find solace in shared experiences.
Respect and Honor: Their presence served as a powerful demonstration of respect and honor for Fritz. It was a testament to the significant role he played in their lives and the value they placed on their relationships with him.
Cultural and Religious Traditions: Funerals are often deeply rooted in cultural and religious traditions, providing a structured way for loved ones to grieve and pay their respects. The gathering of close friends and family fulfilled these essential customs, offering a framework for mourning and remembrance.

The attendance of close friends and family at Frank Fritz's funeral underscored the fundamental importance of emotional support, shared memories, respect, and cultural traditions in honoring the life of a cherished individual.

The decision to hold a private funeral service for Frank Fritz held significant weight, reflecting a complex interplay of personal desires, the need for privacy, and respect for deeply held values.

Respect for Fritz's Wishes: The most fundamental reason for the private service was likely a desire to honor Fritz's own preferences. If he had expressed a wish for a private farewell, respecting this was paramount.
Family and Friends Grieve in Privacy: A private service offered a sanctuary for Fritz's closest loved ones to grieve away from the public eye. It allowed them to express their emotions openly and honestly without the added pressure of outside observation.
Avoid Media Scrutiny: By keeping the service private, the family shielded themselves and their friends from excessive media attention, which can be particularly intrusive during times of mourning. This allowed them to focus on their grief and support one another.
Cultural and Religious Beliefs: Certain cultural and religious traditions emphasize the importance of private funeral services as a way to honor the deceased and provide a sacred space for mourning. A private service aligned with these values.

The privacy surrounding Frank Fritz's funeral service underscores a commitment to respecting his wishes, providing a safe space for grieving, avoiding unwanted attention, and adhering to cultural or religious beliefs.

The private nature of Frank Fritz's burial mirrors the overall theme of his funeral service, reinforcing the emphasis on privacy, personal autonomy, and the needs of his closest family and friends.

Respect for Fritz's Autonomy: Choosing a private burial was a final act of respecting Fritz's right to make decisions about his end-of-life arrangements. It ensured that his wishes were honored and carried out according to his preferences.
Family and Friends' Privacy: A private burial offered a protected space for Fritz's family and friends to say their final goodbyes without the presence of the public or the media. It allowed them to grieve and process their emotions in a more intimate setting.
Cultural and Religious Traditions: For some, private burials hold significant cultural or religious meaning, providing a way to honor the deceased and maintain a sense of sanctity. Choosing a private burial could have aligned with these deeply held beliefs.
Protection from Media Attention: A private burial further shielded Fritz's family and friends from unwanted media scrutiny, allowing them to grieve and mourn without the added pressure of public attention.

The decision for a private burial reflects a profound respect for privacy, personal wishes, and the need to provide a supportive and meaningful space for those who loved Frank Fritz to grieve and remember him.

This section addresses frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to the funeral of Frank Fritz, providing concise and informative answers.

Question 1: When and where was Frank Fritz's funeral held?

Frank Fritz's funeral was a private ceremony held on July 25, 2022, in Davenport, Iowa.

Question 2: Who officiated Frank Fritz's funeral?

Mike Wolfe, Fritz's close friend and co-star on American Pickers, officiated the funeral service.

Question 3: Who attended Frank Fritz's funeral?

The funeral was a private ceremony attended by close friends and family members.

Question 4: Why was Frank Fritz's funeral private?

The private nature of the funeral allowed Fritz's family and friends to grieve and say goodbye in a more intimate setting, free from public attention.

Question 5: Where was Frank Fritz buried?

Fritz's burial was also private, and the location has not been publicly disclosed.

Question 6: How can I pay my respects to Frank Fritz?

While the funeral was private, fans and well-wishers can pay their respects by sharing their memories of Fritz online, visiting the Antique Archaeology website, or making a donation to a charity in his name. The family also appreciates the outpouring of support, but asks for privacy during this time of grieving.

Question 7: What was the cause of death?

Frank Fritz passed away due to complications from Crohn's disease, a condition he had been battling for several years.

Question 8: What was Frank Fritz's relationship with Mike Wolfe after he left American Pickers?

Reports indicate that their relationship had become strained in the years leading up to Fritz's death.

Question 9: Did Frank Fritz have any children?

Information about whether Frank Fritz had any children has not been publicly disclosed.

Question 10: Where can I find more information about Crohn's disease?

You can find more information about Crohn's disease from reputable sources such as the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation or the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

Frank Fritz's funeral, held on July 25, 2022, in Davenport, Iowa, was a private ceremony that honored his wishes and the need for privacy for his family and close friends. The service was officiated by Mike Wolfe, Fritz's longtime friend and co-star on American Pickers.

The decision to keep the funeral private reflects the value placed on respecting Fritz's autonomy, providing a space for his loved ones to grieve without public intrusion, and adhering to cultural or religious beliefs. It allowed his family and friends to come together in a supportive and meaningful way to say goodbye, while also preserving the sanctity of their mourning process.

While the funeral was private, fans and well-wishers can still pay their respects to Frank Fritz by sharing their memories online, visiting the Antique Archaeology website (if still available), or making a donation to a charity in his name. By supporting causes that were important to him, his legacy as a passionate collector and advocate for the preservation of American history will continue to inspire and be remembered. And although "American Pickers" moved forward without him, his impact on the show and the world of antique collecting is undeniable.