Saturday, July 27, 2024

FRANK'S FIGHT American Pickers’ Frank Fritz relies on ‘long-term nursing care’ after stroke as conservator demands access to his funds


by Teresa Roca, Senior Exclusives Reporter & Assistant Entertainment Editor

AMERICAN Pickers star Frank Fritz has been relying on “skilled nursing care” that will be “long-term” two years after he suffered a debilitating stroke. 

Frank, 60, has been under a conservatorship and guardianship since he suffered a stroke at his Le Claire, Iowa home in July 2022, as he has been in and out of the hospital and rehabilitation. 

Frank Fritz, posing in front of his motorcycle collection, needs 'long-term nursing care'
Frank Fritz, posing in front of his motorcycle collection, needs 'long-term nursing care'Credit: Coleman-Rayner
Frank Fritz, who was a fan-favorite on American Pickers, suffered a stroke in July 2022
Frank Fritz, who was a fan-favorite on American Pickers, suffered a stroke in July 2022Credit: American Pickers / History Channel

MidWestOne Bank is Frank’s conservator, as his close friend Chris Davis is his guardian. 

The U.S. Sun can exclusively MidWestOne bank is demanding Frank’s finances be transferred to them, as the star will continue to need “skilled” and “long-term” nursing care. 

Court papers from the conservatorship case obtained by The U.S. Sun reveal Frank has “cash assets and credit accounts” at a separate bank. 

The Conservator’s Initial Plan filed in November 2022 stated the assets would be transferred to MidWestOne, as they could “invest to start generating income” to Frank.

“Since the approval of the plan, the Conservator has repeatedly contacted [the bank] seeking access to the Protected Party’s funds, credit card statements and income tax documents to no avail.”

The bank “repeatedly failed to respond to the Conservator” and “refused to provide access to Mr. Fritz’s assets and documentation, and otherwise ignored the Conservator’s authority, the orders of this court, and the laws of the state of Iowa.”

The court documents continued, “[Frank] continues to rely on long-term skilled nursing care, so it is imperative that his assets are properly managed and wisely invested to support his long-term needs.

“The Protected Party no longer has any need for consumer credit cards and any accounts that remain open are susceptible to fraud, especially since the Conservator is not allowed access to them to review charges.”

MidWestOne Bank requests, “The court should issue an order compelling [the bank] to release all of Frank Fritz’s funds to the Conservator, close all of Frank Fritz’s credit card accounts, provide the Conservator with Frank Fritz’s income tax documents for 2023, and change the mailing address for future income tax documents to the Conservator’s address.”

A hearing took place on July 19. 

The judge on the case ordered the bank to respond to the conservator and provide access to all bank accounts and credit cards held or controlled by Frank

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

UNDER CONSERVATORSHIP

The U.S. Sun broke the news that the conservatorship was filed in August 2022. 

“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. 

“Appointment of a guardian and conservator is necessary to avoid immediate harm to him.”

The Guardian agreed to help Frank with his Crohn's disease treatment, as well as bring him to physical therapy and help him grocery shop, cook, and more.

As for the conservator, MidWestOne filed an Initial Plan that revealed Frank’s monthly expenses

The amount of $28,292 is spent a month on expenses and the majority of his budget totals $22,832 for “in-home health care.”

His annual healthcare total is $273,984.

Frank, seen on the History channel show American Pickers, has been 'improving daily'
Frank, seen on the History channel show American Pickers, has been 'improving daily'Credit: American Pickers on The History Channel/Facebook

'SAME OLD FRANK'

Frank has been in and out of rehabilitation after he was released from the hospital in September 2022. 

“Frank continues to improve 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.

"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.”

FINAL EPISODE

Frank last appeared on American Pickers during a March 2020 episode. 

He took time off to recover from back surgery, leaving him with 185 stitches and two rods in his spine. 

During his time off the show, he entered rehab for alcohol addiction in Iowa for 77 days.

Frank had a falling out with his longtime friend and co-star Mike Wolfe, but the two reconciled after his stroke. 

American Pickers now stars Mike, Robbie Wolfe, Jon Szalay, and Danielle Colby

Frank, pictured with his former cast members, last appeared on American Pickers in 2020
Frank, pictured with his former cast members, last appeared on American Pickers in 2020Credit: History Channel

Full Article & Source:
FRANK'S FIGHT American Pickers’ Frank Fritz relies on ‘long-term nursing care’ after stroke as conservator demands access to his funds

See Also:
Judge Rules On ‘American Pickers’ Frank Fritz Conservatorship

AMERICAN PICKERS STAR FRANK FRITZ'S JUDGE MAKES MAJOR RULING IN DEMAND TO SEAL HEALTH & FINANCIAL RECORDS AFTER STROKE

‘American Pickers’ Frank Fritz Conservatorship In Danger

RIGHT PATH American Pickers star Frank Fritz’s conservator files new financial plan as he recovers from debilitating stroke

American Pickers' Frank Fritz Still Under A Conservatorship, But There's Been An Update

PICKING PRIVACY American Pickers star Frank Fritz’s conservator begs judge to seal his financial records and location amid his recovery

CONSERVATOR CHAOS American Pickers star Frank Fritz’s conservator at risk of removal by judge after star suffers debilitating stroke

PAY UP American Pickers alum Frank Fritz’s conservatorship lawyer demands to be paid $2K for his services in tragic case

Frank Fritz, of 'American Pickers,' under guardianship after stroke

FRANK'S FATE American Pickers alum Frank Fritz’s judge makes major ruling in conservatorship case after star suffers from stroke

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