Body found in motel closet identified as man missing since 2017

By Shereen Siewert

MARATHON — A man whose body was discovered Thursday in a Marathon motel closet has been identified as a 28-year-old Adams County man missing since November.

Police say Brian Kienast, who was reported missing November 22, reportedly visited the Marathon area during the week of Thanksgiving.

Police have not said how Kienast died, but are treating the death as suspicious. There’s no word on how long Kienast’s body was in the closet or a time frame on when the man died.

An autopsy was performed on Friday.

According to his Facebook page, Kienast lives in Adams and is a native of Pewaukee. He attended both Jefferson High School and MATC in Fort Atkinson.

Investigators are now appealing to the public for information about Kienast’s whereabouts since he was reported missing.

Anyone with information can call Marathon County Crimestoppers at 877-409-8777 or can submit a tip through the website and remain anonymous. Callers can also contact the Marathon County Sheriff’s Department at 715-261-1200 or the Marathon City Police Department at 715-443-2470.