MIDDLETON - Mori James Maier, of Dane, passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at St. Mary's Hospital. She was born on March 7, 2026, in Madison, the daughter of Tyler and Lauren (Acker) Maier.

Born at only 24 weeks gestation, weighing just 1 pound, 8 ounces, Mori was the biggest blessing in the tiniest form. She was a fighter from the very beginning and while she had a strong first two weeks, she contracted a blood infection that her body was just too little to overcome. She spent her short time here on earth being compassionately cared for by the NICU staff at St. Mary’s Hospital. Her room was filled with songs being sung and books being read by her mommy, voices and laughter of those closest to her, and lots of I love yous.

Though we only had 18 days with her, her short time here has left a profound and lasting impact on us all. She taught us about love, courage, strength, hope, and gratitude. Her precious life serves as a reminder to slow down and enjoy all of life’s little moments, to appreciate the people who help lift you up in the hardest of times, and to always lean into God’s great and infinite love. Mori has brought us closer to each other, our community, and to the Lord. We will forever cherish her precious life here on earth and feel blessed to have had this time with her.

Mori is survived by her parents, Lauren and Tyler; brother, Leo; sister, Elliot; grandparents, Marvin and Debra Maier and Leo and Kimberly Acker; uncles, Nick Maier, Chris Maier, Shane Maier and Dustin (Emily) Ripp; aunts, Lindsay (Jared) Solwold and Shana (Max) Mitchell; godmother, Carly Statz; great-grandmothers, Berdella Lowenberg, Doris Maier and Eileen Ripp; and cousins, Joelle, Beau, Jaden, Zoe, Colin, Carter, Hannah, Cooper, Henry, Lavinia, Ruby, Timothy, Roman, Glory, Hope and Lillian. She was preceded in death by four great-grandfathers, Joseph Lowenberg, Raymond Maier, Roy Ripp and Edmund Acker; and great-grandmother, Lillian Acker.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, with Father Pat Norris presiding. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 2 p.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday.

A special thank you to the amazing staff at St. Mary’s Hospital for bringing Mori safely into this world and especially to the NICU staff for their dedication, care, and compassion for our sweet girl. You are angels here on earth and we are forever grateful for your kindness and empathy.

And to our family, friends, and community for giving meals, gifts, support, and prayers and for lifting us up in love - we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Donations in Mori’s honor can be made to “Big Campaign for Little Miracles” to raise money for NICU care through SSM Health St. Mary’s Foundation.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761

Mori Maier

March 07, 2026 - March 25, 2026

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