If you are visiting this page, it is likely that Markus has touched your life in some way.
As a pillar of the community, Markus was known to many as a cherished colleague, advisor, husband, friend, father, and/or friendly neighbourhood sassy German man. To me and the other members of the Kienast lab, Markus was a trusted advisor and amazing source of intellectual guidance to assist us as we progressed through graduate school. I'm sure the others would agree that the halls are eerily quiet in the absence of his whistling and signature laugh.
Markus' diagnosis is a testament to how these things can happen to anyone and come seemingly out of nowhere. In fact, our lab group had planned to run the Not Since Moses 10k on July 13th, 2025. With Markus unable to participate, our lab group ran in his honour. Because of the generosity and support shown by Markus' loved ones, more than $7000 was raised to sponsor our "Not Since Markus" run and to show support for him and his family over a very difficult time.
Markus passed away the day before the race on July 12th, surrounded by his cherished family. If you would like to show your continued support, as well as contribute to ongoing research that may prevent others from experiencing the same devastating loss that all of us feel with Markus no longer with us, consider donating in tribute.
Markus, I hope you know how much you are missed.
