It’s been five months since the former American Pickers star Frank Fritz died at the age of 60 due to complications from a debilitating stroke that he never fully recovered from.
Sadly, the trouble isn’t over, even after Frank’s passing. Now, it’s been revealed that Frank’s father William Fritz is officially challenging his son’s will in an Iowa court.
Frank’s Father Contests His Will
Prior to his death, Frank reportedly had almost $6 million to his name in a sealed estate established by caretakers and companions. This estate was established as a necessity after Frank was placed under a guardianship in 2022 following his stroke.
The current will was allegedly established in 2023, after Frank’s guardianship arrangement. His father is challenging the validity of this will, considering its provenance.
“A purported will was filed with the probate court by an associate of Frank’s,” William’s lawyer, Cory F. Gourley, told Fox News. “We have filed a petition on behalf of Frank’s family challenging the validity of that will.
“We believe the evidence will ultimately show that the will is invalid for at least one if not multiple reasons,” he continued. “The case is relatively new and will now proceed to be litigated in District Court.”
William has raised questions over whether or not Frank was healthy enough mentally and physically to sign off on a will in 2023.
Frank suffered his devastating stroke in July of 2022. One month later, he was allegedly appointed a guardianship. At the time, a public care plan was released, and it indicated that Frank did not have a living will. In his last guardianship report two years later, however, Frank was listed as having a living will.
Related: Inside The Tragic Final Days Of ‘American Pickers’ Star Frank Fritz Before He Died At 60
Frank’s Friends Fire Back
Despite William’s challenge, two of Frank’s closest friends are claiming that the former American Pickers star “was definitely in his right mind” when he finished the will before his death.
“He was able to make his own decisions, and he made them up until probably the last weeks of his life,” one friend told The Des Moines Register. “But at that point, there were no decisions to be made.”
This friend claimed that Frank did not have a close relationship with William. The friend alleged that aside from Frank’s beloved mother, who died in 2013, the American Pickers star had no close relationships with anyone in his biological family. That’s why the friend was “in disbelief” when he heard about William’s lawsuit.
This also comes at a difficult time for friends of Frank’s, as they are busy planning a celebration of life for him that will be held in the spring.
“Let us have his celebration of life, let us do what he wanted, his wishes. Let the poor man rest,” the friend lamented. “Here we are looking forward to honoring his memory and all of that can’t happen now until this is over with.”
Related: ‘American Pickers’ Star Frank Fritz’s Final Wish To Be Granted With Memorial Motorcycle Ride
Frank’s American Pickers History
Frank starred on The History Channel’s American Pickers with his best friend Mike Wolfe from 2010 until 2020, when he left the show due to various health issues.
“We are saddened to share that our friend and beloved member of The HISTORY Channel and American Pickers family, Frank Fritz, has passed away on September 30, 2024,” The History Channel and Cineflex Productions said after his death.
“Frank filmed American Pickers for over a decade,” the statement added. “We will always remember ‘the bearded charmer’ and his never-ending search for vintage motorcycles and bikes. Our thoughts are with Frank’s loved ones during this difficult time. He will be deeply missed.”
Though they feuded in their final years, Frank and Mike reconciled before the former passed away. In fact, Mike was by Frank’s side when he died.
“I got the call that he wasn’t doing well…I just feel blessed that I was able to get there,” Mike told People Magazine afterwards. “I was there for about an hour before he passed, and I was holding his hand and rubbing his chest when he took his last breath….I took my fingers and I closed his eyes.”
Full Story: Mike Wolfe Was Holding His ‘American Pickers’ Co-Star Frank Fritz’s Hand When He Took His ‘Last’ Breath
It’s sad to see that there are issues over Frank’s estate. Here’s hoping that this can all be resolved quickly so that Frank Fritz can truly rest in peace.
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