Henry S. Kowalewski

My wife Liz and I are deeply saddened to hear of Hank's passing. Although we have not been in touch for many years, I fondly remember Hank as a good friend and employer. After my graduation from U of M in 1963, Hank was the first architect I worked for when Tommy Tanner was still in the picture. Actually, I was the first student that he mentored. I learned a lot from Hank - he was my boss and my teacher in the fundamentals of practicing architecture - things you don't learn in college...

Hank was my professor back in 1992. Even though we did not stay in touch I cherished many beautiful memories of how encouraging and supportive he was as a professor. Ive mentioned him many times as an example of how a professor should be, and my kids have heard many stories from his classes. Once while pulling an all nighter for a studio deadline, he came over to the studio with his wife and leftovers from their anniversary dinner party just to share with us and keep us motivated. Late as...

Hank is an amazing man in every way. He was a true friend, mentor and fatherly figure with his great insight and wisdom. I was a student and employee of his in 1990 for 2 years. He was so good to me and my family while I was in Ann Arbor going to UofM Architecture School. He was more than a mentor to me, my father died when when I was 5 and many great men were father figures to me, Hank was one of the best. I was in Ann Arbor for a football game years ago and swung by his office where I...

Henry, or Hank as we called him, was one of my favorite professors while attending U-M Architecture School in the early thru mid 80's. He was always eager to listen & help. His wry sense of humor and wit was always perfectly timed. When I think back of the good memories of that time in my life, Hank is always part of it. God speed Hank. Congratulations on a life well lived.

Dear Gerry and Lynn, as you know so well, Hank was our beloved friend for almost 60 years. It is difficult to believe he is really gone. Even though he is in a better place now with Paul, able to rest peacefully in a way he could not rest before, we miss him greatly and wish he were still here with us. He gave us so much over his long life; like his creative architectural designs, including that of our own home; his kind and generous manner, always good-natured and cheerful; and his...

I’ve known Hank and the entire Kowalewski family my whole life. They were my and my siblings’ first friends! Of the six children in both of our families, I always felt a special bond with Hank. I would garden with him while the other kids played, and he was funny and kind and gentle. Hank designed my parents’ home after we moved to East Lansing, and the lifelong friendship between Hank, Gerry, Paul, and Lynn made them our family. I will miss you, Hank.

My best friend for 30 years

Hank was an old school gentleman and darn good at what he did. it was our privilege to have known him.

My condolences on the loss of Prof. Kowaleski. He was always kind to me and I appreciated his chivalry, compassion and respectful treatment of the non academic staff at the College of Architecture.