Frank Fritz, the Davenport, Iowa, native who found fame as an “American Picker,” has died.
He was 60.
Fritz suffered a stroke in July of 2022 and fought since that time to regain his mobility and strength. He spent two-plus years in and out of in-patient rehab, the hospital and, ultimately, hospice care, where he died Monday.
Despite his vigorous fight, additional health complications prevented him from a recovery.
Frank Fritz talks about the changes in the business of picking at his Savanna, Ill., store in 2013.
Two of Fritz’s closest friends, including one who served as his guardian, have been at his side almost daily since his stroke.
“He fought really hard to get better,” said Annette Oberlander, a Davenport woman who is a long-time friend. “Numerous health conditions continually set him back.
“I want the world to know how hard he fought. I put hints (about his decline) on his Facebook …