American Pickers star Mike Wolfe took to Instagram to share the heartbreaking news of the passing of his dear friend and mentor, Bob Peterson. In a somber post, Wolfe expressed that Peterson was not only admired for his mechanical skills but also for the way he lived his life. Wolfe’s heartfelt tribute included a collection of photos and videos featuring his beloved friend.
Peterson was an inspiration to many, known for his love of life and his unwavering passion. He was always there to lend a helping hand with conviction and humor, embodying an era that is now romanticized. Wolfe acknowledged the profound impact Peterson had on his life, expressing that he had learned so much from him and that he would be forever changed.
The news of Peterson’s passing deeply saddened fans of the show, who flooded the comments section of Wolfe’s post with condolences. One commenter praised Peterson’s infectious laughter and cool demeanor, while another fondly remembered watching him and Robbie work on projects. A third lamented the loss of another source of knowledge.
The American Pickers community united in their agreement that Peterson was a true gem and a joy to watch on the show. The loss of his presence would be deeply felt by all who admired him.
In this tragic moment, Mike Wolfe shared his grief with his fans and paid tribute to the remarkable person Bob Peterson was, leaving a lasting memory of a friendship that touched many lives.
MIKE WOLFE
A lifelong American picker, Mike Wolfe has been searching for hidden treasure since he was four years old. Over the years, he’s earned a reputation as one of the country’s foremost foragers, traveling coast to coast in search of rusty gold. Where other people see dilapidated barns and overgrown yards, Wolfe sees the beauty of long-lost things and the stories of the people who made them, used them, and somehow saved them.
Wolfe spends as much time as he can on the road, often with Frank Fritz, his friend of 20 years and fellow picker, in tow. “A picker’s kind of like a nomad,” he explains. And for Wolfe, the people he meets and the tales they tell are an integral part of the journey—ultimately as valuable as the rare finds he unearths in their barns, attics, and sheds.
What exactly does Wolfe look for? “Anything I can make a buck on,” he laughs. But truly, he looks for things with a story; things that fill in some of the blanks in the everyday history of America. That could be anything from antique baby carriages and vintage jukeboxes to old cars and peeling metal advertising signs.
Both locations of Antique Archaeology, his specialty shop that sells antiques, vintage items, and folk art, have become top tourist destinations in Le Claire, Iowa, and Nashville, Tennessee. But after his family, his full-time passion is preserving as much of small-town America as he can, finding old buildings throughout the Midwest and the mid-South that can be reclaimed, restored, and reinvigorated, breathing new life into the main streets where he grew up.