Henry E. Zietlow ’22

Henry E. Zietlow ’22 died on January 14, 2019, in Springbrook, Wisconsin.

(The following notice was shared by President Rose on January 14, 2019)

To the Bowdoin community,

I write with great sadness to inform you of the death of Henry Zietlow, a member of our first-year class. Henry was killed in a car accident this morning in his hometown of St. Paul, Minnesota. His mother, who was a passenger in the car, was hurt in the accident but does not have serious injuries.

This is an incomprehensible loss for Henry’s family, and one that brings deep sorrow to the Bowdoin community. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to Henry’s family and friends at this tremendously sad and difficult time.

While Henry had completed just a single semester at Bowdoin, he was fully engaged in the life of the College. His academic interests were varied, with a remarkable depth and breadth that included math and history, art and biology, among other disciplines. An accomplished violinist, Henry also had a passion for the outdoors—including camping and canoeing—and he was just getting started as a member of Bowdoin’s rowing team, having captained his team in high school. His was a life full of promise, and he was someone who exemplified the very best of Bowdoin. And his ties to the College ran deep—his father, Nathan Zietlow, is a member of the Class of 1987, and an uncle and aunt are also Bowdoin graduates.

I know that Henry’s death is a shock for us and that it may be more difficult to learn of this news while we are on break and do not have the opportunity to immediately come together on campus to support one another. Students who wish to reach out to Bowdoin’s counseling service can contact Bernie Hershberger, director of our Counseling and Wellness Services, at (207) 725-3069. After hours and over the weekend, students can reach a counselor by calling (207) 725-3145 and then pressing “1.” 

We will be working with Henry’s family and friends to plan a memorial service on campus after classes resume, details of which will be circulated when they become available. In the meantime, those who wish to reach out to Henry’s family may do so at their home (1445 Summit Avenue, St. Paul MN 55105-2240).

Thank you for holding Henry and his family in your hearts and prayers, and for continuing to support one another.

Sincerely,

Clayton

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