American Pickers star Frank Fritz's friend challenges his will four months after his death

The will of American Pickers star Frank Fritz, who died on September 30, 2024, at age 60 following a stroke in 2022, is being challenged by a friend of the late reality star

By Natalie HunterDeputy TV & Showbiz Editor & Kathleen O'Boyle

The estate of late American Pickers star Frank Fritz is now the center of a heated legal battle after his tragic passing. A close friend of the star has contested his will, demanding a trial to determine the fate of his $6 million fortune.

This comes just four months after Frank's death at age 60, following a stroke in 2022. The will had been filed prior to the American Pickers star's death in October 2023 for safekeeping and was approved shortly after his passing.

However, the case took a twist when the friend's attorney officially entered the fray in December. On February 3, 2025, a petition was filed to invalidate the will entirely. As the case is sealed, the public remains unaware of the details. Before his death, Frank, who suffered a debilitating stroke at his Iowa farmhouse, was under conservatorship due to impaired decision-making abilities.

In an unfortunate turn of events, a guardianship has been set up for the History Channel personality, with his pal Chris Davis stepping in as guardian and MidWestOne Bank taking on the role of conservator. Court documents highlighted the severity of his condition, revealing that after suffering a stroke, he could no longer take care of himself or manage his impressive collection of antiques, reports the Express US.

The papers 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."

Friend and antique aficionado Jerry Gendreau is already prepping for what’s expected to be a blockbuster auction of Frank's treasured items, given his strong fan following. "That's what I would do because of his fan base, I think he'll do really, really well with an auction," Jerry had expressed to The .us. Sun.

Additionally, visitors to Frank’s Savanna, Illinois establishment, known as Frank Fritz Finds, might soon witness a special display, potentially featuring Frank’s cherished motorcycles. "We may display motorcycles and choppers that represent Frank," said Jerry, hinting at the possibility of a transformation to highlight these gems within his store, currently styled as a quaint 1880s general store.

"Right now it's set up as an 1880s general store. Maybe they'll be bikes on a rack all the way down the center."

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American Pickers star Frank Fritz's friend challenges his will four months after his death

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