Juan Dobrik

Juan was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, one of three sons to the late Yani and Anna (Majling) Dobrik. He grew up working alongside his parents and brothers in the family’s retail business. After graduating from secondary school, Juan completed a three-year apprenticeship in mechanical engineering, and many other engineering courses which laid the foundation for a remarkable and wide-ranging career.

From a young age, Juan knew the love of his life, Elsa Kohl. Their parents, both immigrants from Czechoslovakia and Austria, in the early 1930s, worked together in Buenos Aires, and their families shared a close bond. Juan and Elsa were married on December 6, 1962, in Buenos Aires and shared a devoted marriage until her passing on July 4, 2015. Elsa was a wonderful cook who lovingly prepared meals that brought family and friends together around the table. Juan was also a very good cook and professional baker in his own right, and together they shared not only a love of life, but a love of food, hospitality, and welcoming others into their home.

Juan’s work as a mechanical engineer took him across Argentina, Europe, Africa, and Asia before eventually bringing him to Michigan, where he joined the General Motors facility at the historic Willow Run Plant in Ypsilanti in 1989. His career spanned systems for military tanks, automobiles, and aircraft. Even after retiring from General Motors in 2004, Juan remained a trusted and respected resource, often called upon by engineers for his insight and expertise.

At the age of 86, Juan and a close engineer friend undertook one of his most ambitious projects: building their own airplane, with Juan performing the majority of the complex calculations. The inaugural flight is planned for the summer of 2026. Though Juan will not be physically present, his spirit and brilliance will undoubtedly be part of that journey.

Brilliant yet humble, Juan could speak thoughtfully on nearly any subject and connect easily with anyone. He was an avid reader with an extensive collection of National Geographic magazines. He enjoyed his hobby of carpentry and helped build the family home in Argentina. An excellent photographer, Juan owned an impressive array of equipment, including telescopes, and spent many nights observing the stars, often visiting Peach Mountain Observatory near Dexter. He also had a gifted green thumb; the front of his home was always beautifully adorned with flowers.

He will be deeply missed by his daughter, Christina (Luigi) Dobrik-Guarascio of Dexter; his grandson, Dyllan Guarascio; and his brother, Robert Dobrik. In addition to his beloved wife and parents, Juan was preceded in death by his brother, Andres Dobrik.

Burial will take place next to Elsa at Forest Hill Cemetery on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Muehlig Funeral Chapel is honored to serve Juan’s family.