Matthias James Meester, Beloved Child of God, passed away from SUIDS—Sudden Unexplained Infant Death Syndrome, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 in Owatonna, MN.

Matthias was born January 19, 2025, at Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, the son of Chris and Laurel (Midthun) Meester. Matthias' first caregivers were the staff of the Methodist Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. They supported Matthias and his family with kindness and knowledge. Matthias came home to Owatonna on February 6th, 2025 where he was welcomed by his big sister Eliora, and the communities of both Owatonna and Blooming Prairie.

Matthias loved to be rocked either by family or in his swing. He enjoyed being bundled up in blankets, and spending time snuggling and reading with his parents. Chris and Laurel are grateful that during his short time with them, Matthias was able to enjoy Friday pizza nights with his sister, see the North Shore of Lake Superior, and be held by family, friends and neighbors. He was baptized on April 9th 2025 by Pastor Amanda Floy and Pastor Heidi Heimgartner. Matthias' parents will especially treasure the smiles that he gave them. He will be forever loved.

Matthias is survived by his parents, Chris and Laurel Meester of Owatonna; sister, Eliora; grandparents, Eric and Sue Midthun of Bloomington, MN and Rod and Julie Meester of Mason City, IA; aunts and uncles; Peter (Sherri Goings) Midthun, Joe (Kelsey) Midthun, Julia (Jordan) Gerlofs, Sasha Mackin, Scott (Alyssa) Meester, Evan (Kamryn Kronschnabel) Meester, cousins; William, Elaina, Adrian, Alice, Heidi, Samuel and Dorian, as well as many close friends who love him like their own.

He was preceded in death by his great grandparents John and Marge Marquard, Ernest and Louise Midthun, James and Anna Meester, Warren and Eva Byerly.

Visitation will be at Trinity Lutheran Church in the Fellowship Hall on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, from 4PM to 7PM.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church with a gathering for seating starting at 10AM. The service will be live streamed at a link down below. There will be a joint choir singing at the service. All are welcome to join this choir. A rehearsal will start at 9:15am on Wednesday at Trinity. A private interment will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Owatonna, Minnesota.

Funeral Service Link

Donations can be made in Honor of Matthias to:

The American SIDS Institute

A GoFundMe has been set up in honor of Matthias.