Jacob "Jake" Dzik's Obituary
Beloved Husband, Father, and Friend
Jake Dzik, a devoted husband to his wise and loving wife Rachel Dzik, and proud father of six children Gavin, Ava, Fiona, Felix, Flynn, and their heavenly child, River.
Jake ultimately passed away from heart complications brought on by an infection related to his two-and-a-half-year battle with end-stage kidney disease. The cause of his sudden onset of Kidney disease back in 2023, remains unknown to medical professionals.
Jake spent his final days in a hospital room filled with peace and light. His wife Rachel, faithfully by his side, shared that Jake often said,
“I feel peace- I never knew this feeling existed.”
Surrounded by his wife and children, Jake’s last 2 days were jovial, and spiritually close. The family spent Friday afternoon closely connected, sharing from their hearts on matters of importance. Jake’s last moments were spent joking with his wife and favorite nurse in his sunshine filled hospital room. Jake’s ultimate graduation to Heaven was swift but allowed a brief moment of goodbye with Rachel.
A Life of Service and Purpose
A small business owner in Frederick, Maryland, Jake led with humility and heart. He founded The Shop Autowerx LLC with Rachel when they were just 25 and 26 years old, with little more than $400 in the bank, faith, and determination. Over the next sixteen years, Jake served his clients like family. Offering expert care, fair pricing, honesty feedback, compassion and laughter. Often sharing lunches and life stories with clients.
Jake’s right-hand man, Dom Salazar, remains on staff at The SHOP Autowerx as together he and Rachel and Beth Salazar will run the business , keeping Jake’s dream of Christian based auto shop alive and Supporting Jake’s 5 children.
Dom and Beth Salazar shared,
”We will do our best to keep Jake’s dream business running to support his family. The doors to The SHOP Autowerx remain open at 7H Council Dr. Woodsboro MD”
Rooted in Faith, Forged in Perseverance
Born in Maryland, to Carol and Lenard Dzik, Jake grew up in a home rich with humor. Though early life was rife with challenges, he rose to embody the American dream, a life built on perseverance, faith, family, and love.
From a young age, Jake showed a gift for both music and mechanics. Often Jake would fix the lawn mowers of neighbors and enjoy the challenge of turning a dollar into a few dollars or a meal. As an adult Jake was the steady beat of base in the background of worship music on Sunday mornings at Cedarbrook Community Church. If he wasn’t on stage he was mentoring middle school boys, or providing oil changes to single moms in the community. Jake, poured his heart into serving others.
Jake loved restoring what others deemed “too broken,” from cars and guitars to lawn mowers and pressure cookers.
The Gift of Laughter
Jake believed deeply that “laughter is good medicine.” His humor brought comfort, and his jovial smile could lift any spirit. He delighted in challenging the “impossible,” knowing he was, as Psalm 139:14 says, “Fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God”
A Faithful Heart
At eighteen, Jake prayed earnestly to Jesus despite being told by childhood church leaders speaking to Jesus was forbidden. His faith took root in that moment. Within the same month, he met Rachel, who had prayed a similar prayer.
Together, they built a life filled with laughter, hard work, and grace-raising children, running a business, cooking meals, forgiving often, and walking humbly with Jesus.
Family, Nature, and Home
In recent years, as his health declined, Jake cherished peaceful evenings with Rachel and their children-discussing the Bible, laughing, and sharing stories (often starring little Flynn). Jake loved Sunday afternoons driving around Catoctin Mountain calling it his, “time with God” or walking near bodies of water, remembering his childhood days on the Chesapeake Bay when he motored along in his grandfather’s boat.
Jake lived his short life fully and loved deeply. Not perfectly, but well.
He loved his children well.
He loved his wife dearly.
He served others joyfully.
He lived unto the Lord.
His Legacy Lives On
Jake’s life was a testimony of faith, humor, and perseverance. He now rests in his eternal home, awaiting the joyful reunion promised to those who confess Jesus as Lord and put their Trust in Jesus.
Those wishing to support Rachel and the Dzik family may do so through their GoFundMe page or by scheduling work with The Shop Autowerx LLC, helping sustain the dream Jake built and the legacy he leaves behind.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
̶Matthew 25:2
What’s your fondest memory of Jacob?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jacob?
Share a story where Jacob's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jacob you’ll never forget.
How did Jacob make you smile?

