Summary
Bob Petersen had a huge impact onAmerican Pickersand his passing affected a lot of his friends, both on the show and off.American Pickerspremiered in 2010 on the History Channel and follows the show’s creator Mike Wolfe and his friend Frank Fritz as they travel around the United States, picking out valuable antiques from garage and yard sales, and curio and antique stores. They have discovered somecool finds onAmerican Pickers, which they either resell, gift, or keep for their own extensive personal collections.
Mike Wolfe has a particular fascination with cars and other vehicles and knows more about them than almost anyone else in the show. Wolfe alsoco-runs two stores forAmerican Pickers, Antique Archaeology, located in LeClaire, Iowa, and Nashville, Tennessee. It’s from these establishments that Wolfe keeps his treasures and sells some for profit. Wolfe, Fritz, and their crew utilize historians, archaeologists, and other experts to help determine the value of what others may consider trash, and some of these experts, like Bob Petersen had close relationships with theAmerican Pickersteam.
15 Rules American Pickers Have To Follow (And 5 They Love To Break)
The world of antique salvaging as depicted on American Pickers isn’t without its rules– even if those rules are sometimes ignored.
Bob Petersen Was A Mechanical Engineer & Mike Wolfe’s Mentor On American Pickers
Petersen Was A Self-Taught Engineer With Multiple Patents
Bob Petersen may have beenthe only person onAmerican Pickerswho knew more about cars than Mike Wolfe. Petersen only appeared in five episodes ofAmerican Pickers, but each time he showed u, it was a memorable experience. He was Mike Wolfe’s mentor and every time he was in the shop, he humbled Wolfe and also made him burst out laughing constantly. Watching Petersen boss Wolfe around with the energy of a man half his age was always a joy.
When he wasn’t busy fabricating his own prototypes and inventions, he was fixing up classic and vintage race cars, some of which appeared in auto aficionado magazines and the Ford Museum.
Petersen’sobituarypoints to his talents as a mechanical engineer. Self-taught, Petersen held three U.S. patents and one Canadian patent for his mechanical inventions. When he wasn’t busy fabricating his own prototypes and inventions,he was fixing up classic and vintage race cars, some of which appeared in auto aficionado magazines and the Ford Museum. It was always obvious how much Wolfe appreciated Petersen coming on the show and both men turned into kids when together, making mistakes, building cars, and talking plenty of smack.
18
5
7
10
19
21
6
Bob Petersen Died In 2022 At The Age Of 84
Petersen Left Behind A Large, Loving Family
Sadly,Bob Petersen passed away on August 21, 2025, at the age of 84, cause unknown. Petersen left behind his wife, Donna, of 61 years, his three children, his seven grandchildren, and his sister. Tragically, Petersen lost his fourth daughter, Deborah, before his own passing. Clearly, Petersen was beloved by his entire family, who fondly recalled his commitment to their family business and passing the time with him in the garage.
His death affected Wolfe as well, who posted a loving tribute to his mentor and friend on theAmerican PickersInstagram account,
The slideshow of Petersen shows the man how he likely looked most of his life, covered in grease with a huge smile on his face. His enthusiasm and boundless energy are palpable in only a few sequences. It’s no wonder Wolfe bonded so closely to him. As he says in the caption,
“Bob was an example to us as someone that loved life and seized each day with so much passion. Always there to help with such conviction and of course humor. He was from an era that we can only romanticize about now. My life and so many others lives were better with him in it. He will be greatly missed. I love you my friend.”
Bob Petersen may have passed away but his legacy lives on throughAmerican Pickers, his friend Mike Wolfe, and his large family. He’s a man who lived his life doing what he loved, and it’s clear he shared that love with those who knew him.
American Pickers
Cast
American Pickers follows antique and collectible enthusiasts Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz as they travel across the United States seeking valuable or rare Americana. The show provides insight into American history through the lens of vintage items discovered in barns, garages, and basements, all while showcasing the negotiation and buying process. Danielle Colby runs the home base, assisting with leads and sales logistics. The series emphasizes the cultural significance of rediscovered artifacts.
