Who is Erika Kirk’s Father & Mother? All about Lori Frantzve and Kent Frantzve

Erika Kirk, the widow of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, has often spoken about the strong influence of her parents. Her story is closely tied to her mother, Lori Frantzve, who raised her as a single parent in Arizona after separating from her father, Kent Frantzve. Together, they shaped much of Erika’s childhood, values, and outlook on life.

Early Life of Erika Kirk

Erika was born in November 1988 in Arizona. Her parents divorced soon after her birth, and her mother took on the responsibility of raising her. Growing up in Scottsdale, Arizona, Erika often described herself as a “super tomboy,” more interested in sports than fashion during her childhood years.

Who Is Erika Kirk’s Mother, Lori Frantzve?

Career Background

Lori Frantzve spent almost 20 years working at General Electric (GE) before becoming an entrepreneur. She later founded and led several companies in the network security industry, showcasing her strong business skills and leadership qualities.

Role as a Single Mother

After her divorce from Kent Frantzve, Lori raised Erika on her own. She taught her daughter important lessons about faith, independence, and service to others. Erika has often credited her mother as the biggest influence in her life.

Values and Influence

Lori encouraged Erika to give back to society from a young age. She often took her to soup kitchens, teaching her that sharing blessings was a responsibility. These values later inspired Erika to enter pageantry, where she became Miss Arizona USA in 2012, using the platform to advocate for causes and community service.

Relationship with Charlie Kirk

Lori shared a close bond with her late son-in-law, Charlie Kirk. Erika has mentioned on social media how much Charlie admired and loved her mother. Their strong family connection was a source of comfort and unity until Charlie’s tragic assassination in September 2025.

Faith and Family Life

Lori raised Erika in a Catholic household. Erika graduated from a private Catholic high school in 2007 and has often shared photos of worship moments with her mother, thanking her for instilling strong faith values. Today, Lori is also a proud grandmother to Erika’s two children, born in 2022 and 2024.

Who Is Erika Kirk’s Father, Kent Frantzve?

Erika’s father, Kent Frantzve, is less public compared to Lori. He and Lori divorced shortly after Erika’s birth. While he has kept a low profile in Erika’s personal and professional journey, he remains her biological father. Unlike Lori, Kent has not been widely featured in the media or in Erika’s social media posts.

Erika’s Public Tribute to Her Mother

In April 2022, Erika wrote a heartfelt message for her mother on Instagram, calling her “a breathing example” and thanking her for being a source of love and wisdom. She expressed that one of the greatest gifts of her life was being Lori’s daughter, promising that she would always be her “baby.”

Legacy of Parenting

The values and teachings of both Lori and Kent played a role in shaping Erika Kirk into who she is today. However, it was Lori’s daily influence, sacrifices, and guidance that left the deepest mark. Through her mother’s example, Erika learned about strength, service, and faith — qualities that continue to guide her life even after the loss of her husband.

Erika Kirk’s parents, Lori and Kent Frantzve, are central figures in her life story. Lori’s career success, single motherhood, and faith-driven upbringing provided Erika with the foundation she needed to succeed in her own journey. While her father, Kent, has remained more private, the family connection continues to be an important part of her personal history.