Growing Up in the Heart of Iowa
I have always found inspiration in the stories of everyday heroes like Susan Zirbes. Born on September 26 1946 in Davenport Iowa she entered the world as Susan Kay Hunt. Her roots ran deep in the Quad Cities area where she spent every chapter of her life. She attended Central High School in Davenport and graduated there during the 1960s. Those early years shaped a quiet strength in her.
Her parents William Hunt and Ann Marie Hunt raised her with solid Midwestern values. Both passed before 2013 yet their influence stayed with her like fertile soil nurturing a garden. Susan grew into a woman who valued stability and community. Numbers tell part of her story. She lived 67 full years until her sudden passing on December 17 2013 at home in Bettendorf Iowa. That single date marked the end of a lifetime spent within 20 miles of her birthplace. I picture her childhood days filled with simple joys in a town known for its bridges and hardworking families.
Building a Career and Finding Love
Susan Zirbes’ career track record showed her determination. McGraw Hill Construction employed her for years. Her job required precision and dependability. After 20 years, she retired at 46 in 1992. Retirement gave her new opportunities.
She married Richard Dick Mason Zirbes at Lake Tahoe on October 2, 1974. This mountain ceremony combined passion and new beginnings. They married approximately 39 years till her death. Their marriage is like a 1974-planted oak tree that grows tall every season. They went and made memories. Susan focused on gardening and flowers after retiring. She lavished care on her Yorkshire Terriers Max and Maggie. Her daily routine included the dogs like devoted companions on a long country road. Faith guided her weeks at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Davenport.
The Family Circle That Shaped Her World
Susan Zirbes wove a rich tapestry of relationships that defined her days. I find it moving how one woman could hold so many threads together with grace. Here is a clear table of her closest family members based on documented details.
| Relationship | Name | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Parents | William Hunt and Ann Marie Hunt | Predeceased her before 2013 raised her in Davenport |
| Sister | Linda Barker | Married to David lives in Chicago Illinois one of her surviving siblings |
| Husband | Richard Dick Mason Zirbes | Married October 2 1974 at Lake Tahoe passed in July 2022 stepfather to Frank |
| Son | Frank Lee Fritz | Born around 1963 1965 in Davenport her only child co host of American Pickers |
| Biological Father of Son | William Bill Fritz | Frank’s birth father still living as of 2025 not listed in her obituary |
| Sister in Law | ILee Unzel | Married to one of Richard’s relatives lives in Cincinnati Ohio |
| Extended | Three nieces and many great nieces nephews | Survived her no public names available |
| Long Time Friend | Lynda Sharpe | Provided years of support in Davenport |
Her Son Frank: The Sunshine of Her Life
Frank Lee Fritz dominated Susan Zirbes’ life. Born about 1963 or 1965, his biological father named him Fritz, although his mother was always proud. Susan witnessed him become famous as a co-host of American Pickers in 2010. She cheered his successes like a mother. The 2010–2013 years offered her delight. Frank’s cinematic success shimmered like sunlight on a polished mirror.
They bonded for over 50 years. She supported him through every chapter, even as fame complicated things. The 2022 health crisis of Frank, who died on September 30, 2024, was remembered in family stories. He was raised by stepfather Richard Zirbes, bringing stability. Susan never desired fame, but Frank’s journey showed her impact. She represents the silent motor of visible achievement, numerous mothers who mold legends without speaking up.
A Timeline of Milestones
Susan Zirbes life unfolded across clear markers that paint a full picture. I compiled this timeline to capture 67 years in sharp detail with exact dates and numbers where known.
| Year or Period | Milestone | Description |
|---|---|---|
| September 26 1946 | Birth | Entered world in Davenport Iowa as Susan Kay Hunt |
| 1950s to 1960s | Education | Graduated from Central High School in Davenport lifetime Quad Cities resident |
| Early 1960s | Motherhood | Gave birth to Frank Lee Fritz around 1963 1965 |
| Before 1974 | First Relationship Ends | Partnership with Bill Fritz concluded Frank kept Fritz surname |
| October 2 1974 | Marriage | Wed Richard Dick Zirbes at Lake Tahoe ceremony |
| 1970s to 1992 | Career | Employed at McGraw Hill Construction retired at age 46 |
| 1992 onward | Retirement Years | Focused on gardening floral arrangements Yorkshire Terriers Max and Maggie and travel 21 years of personal pursuits |
| 2010 to 2013 | Son’s Fame | Celebrated Frank on American Pickers called him her greatest sunshine |
| December 17 2013 | Passing | Died suddenly at home in Bettendorf Iowa age 67 cremated |
| July 2022 | Husband’s Death | Richard Zirbes passed leaving family to carry memories |
| September 30 2024 | Son’s Death | Frank Fritz passed at age around 60 estate matters continued into 2025 |
Legacy Through Challenges and Memories
Susan Zirbes left behind a legacy that echoes in family circles and fan conversations about American Pickers. Her husband passed in 2022 and her son in 2024 yet her influence remains. Memorials after 2013 directed gifts to the Scott County Humane Society honoring her love for animals. Friends like Lynda Sharpe carried her spirit forward with stories of care and kindness.
Even in estate discussions of 2025 her name surfaces as the steady foundation. I reflect on how one life from 1946 to 2013 touched dozens through simple acts. Gardening became her canvas floral arrangements her art and family her masterpiece. Numbers show impact too. She retired after roughly 20 years at work enjoyed 21 years of freedom and raised one son who reached millions on television.
FAQ
When and where was Susan Zirbes born and how long did she live in one area?
Susan Zirbes entered the world on September 26 1946 in Davenport Iowa. She remained a lifetime resident of the Quad Cities spending all 67 years within a small radius that included Bettendorf. I find that kind of rooted stability rare and beautiful like an ancient tree that never needed to move.
What career path did Susan Zirbes follow and what did she do after retiring in 1992?
She dedicated years to McGraw Hill Construction until her retirement in 1992. Afterward she embraced gardening floral arrangements and travel. Her Yorkshire Terriers Max and Maggie received constant spoiling. Church activities at Holy Cross Lutheran filled her calendar. Those post 1992 years totaling 21 allowed her creative side to bloom fully.
Who formed the core of Susan Zirbes family and what roles did they play?
Her parents William and Ann Marie Hunt raised her. Sister Linda Barker lived in Chicago. Husband Richard Zirbes married her in 1974 and stood as stepfather to Frank. Son Frank Lee Fritz became her greatest joy. Biological father William Bill Fritz connected through Frank alone. In laws like ILee Unzel and friend Lynda Sharpe rounded the circle. Nieces and great nieces added branches. This network spanned Illinois Ohio and Iowa creating a web of support.
How did Susan Zirbes connect to the American Pickers television show through her son?
Frank Fritz her only child co hosted the show starting in 2010. Susan took immense pride in his work calling it her greatest sunshine. From 2010 until her passing in 2013 she followed his adventures closely. Her quiet support helped shape the man millions came to know. Even after 2013 family stories kept her memory tied to that fame.
What personal passions defined Susan Zirbes daily life and how did they reflect her character?
Gardening and making floral arrangements brought her peace. She doted on Max and Maggie her Yorkshire Terriers. Travel with husband and son created shared adventures. Faith at Holy Cross Lutheran Church grounded her. These elements painted a picture of a woman who found joy in small details like arranging petals or walking dogs on crisp Iowa mornings. Her life balanced work family and hobbies with remarkable harmony.
