Danielle Colby, star of American Pickers, has suffered a heart-wrenching loss just days after her dream wedding to Jeremy Scheuch. Life has a cruel way of mixing joy and sorrow, doesn’t it?
Just last weekend, the beloved star of the History Channel tied the knot in a magical ceremony in Puerto Rico. With fairy-tale vibes, it was a day that seemed to promise nothing but happiness for the newlyweds. But fate had different plans.
At 48, Danielle might have thought she’d seen all of life’s twists and turns, but she was hit hard by an emotional blow when she announced on social media that her father-in-law had passed away.
She shared a touching picture featuring herself with “Papa John,” her new hubby Jeremy’s father. In this heartfelt snapshot, Danielle sits beside her partner on the front porch, and Jeremy is holding their little dog, with his parents sitting close.
Tragically, Papa John passed away shortly after the wedding. Danielle poured her heart out in a letter, expressing her profound loss and admiration for the man who had meant so much to her.
“Papa John…you spent your life fighting for and making miracles happen for the most vulnerable kids in your community,” Danielle wrote. “When I met you for the first time, you and your elves had turned an airplane hangar into the North Pole to make a little girl with cancer’s dream come true. You gave her happiness, hope, and peace. Like the one you gave us.”
“You’ve always been there for me and believed in me even when I didn’t. I believe in myself too. Maybe some people around you didn’t believe that I was good, but you did. I felt safe in your arms, and you let me open up to you,” she gushed. Now, if that doesn’t tug at your heartstrings, what will?
Danielle continued to reminisce about the cherished memories they shared. She recalled how Papa John had traveled miles multiple times to be with them and often opened his doors during challenging times, providing what she called his ‘magic’ to help them through.
“You loved and cared so much all the time. As someone who didn’t grow up with holidays, especially Christmas, you helped me understand them in a new way. You never saw these events as chances for yourself to gain something. Instead, you saw them as chances for other people to gain from your love, acceptance, and kindness,” she added. Better have tissues ready; this one’s a tear-jerker.
She confessed that it had been tough to open up fully but that some of her favorite memories included Papa John, his family, and her husband, Jeremy. The week of their wedding, despite the grief, was filled with what she described as unexplainable magic.
“You were with us every moment, every sunrise and sunset, even though you were very far away trying to get better. With every hug and party. Even though you’re not here with me anymore, I feel you everywhere. Now rest,” she concluded.
Jeremy, clearly his father’s son, also shared his grief online. In a nostalgic photograph from his childhood, he stood in the front yard with his much younger dad, the resilient ‘Papa John.’
“My dad. John Scheuch. From June 28, 1953, to February 19, 2024. Rest in peace, dad. You were the best dad I could have asked for. I am heartbroken,” Jeremy captioned the photo.
In the comments, Jeremy added, “I don’t even know what to say right now. I’m glad I have the best wife by my side through it all, though.” It’s a sentiment many can relate to—the search for words when the heart is heavy.
Danielle responded with a message of support: “My heart hurts so much for you and your family right now. People who were weakest in spirit had their dreams come true because of him. I learned a lot from him about how to help others and make room for them. I feel him everywhere, but most of all when I’m with you. Thank you for bringing Papa John into my life and the lives of my kids,” she said, her words wrapping around the sadness with warmth and love.
Despite the grief, it’s notable how Danielle and Jeremy lean on each other. Their bond, forged over six years and refined through almost four years of engagement, culminated in a beautiful wedding ceremony in Puerto Rico—a milestone shadowed by loss but also illuminated by love.
It’s in moments like these that we truly see the strength of family and the powerful legacy left by loved ones. As Danielle and Jeremy navigate this emotional rollercoaster, we can only offer our heartfelt condolences and hope that Papa John’s spirit continues to inspire and comfort them.
