Garrett Michael Matthias
July 06, 2018
Garrett Michael Matthias
AKA “The Great Garrett Underpants”
3/26/13 – 7/6/18
My name is: Garrett Michael Boofias
My birthday is: I am 5 years old
My address is: I am a Bulldog!
My favorite color is: Blue….and Red and Black and Green
My favorite superhero is: Batman…and Thor, Iron Man, the Hulk and Cyborg
When I grow up: I’m going to be a professional boxer
My favorite people are:
• Mommy, Daddy, my sister ‘Delcina’ (Delphina),
• The grandparents with the new house (Fredric and Cheryl Krueger),
• The grandparents with the camper (Daniel and Nita Matthias),
• My cousins: Grady, ‘that guy I took down that one time’ (Luke), and London Marie,
• My Auntie Janette and Stinky Uncle Andy (Andrew and Janette Krueger),
• Those two guys, you know, my uncles (Kristopfer Krueger and James Taylor)
• Batman!!
The things I love the most: Playing with my sister, my blue bunny, thrash metal, Legos, my daycare friends, Batman and when they put me to sleep before they access my port
Things I hate: Pants!, dirty stupid cancer, when they access my port, needles, and the monkey nose that smells like cherry farts…I do like the mint monkey nose like at Mayo Radiation and that one guy that helped me build Legos (Randy)
When I die: I am going to be a gorilla and throw poo at Daddy!
Burned or Buried: I want to be burned (like when Thor’s Mommy died) and made into a tree so I can live in it when I’m a gorilla
Big or Small Funeral: Funerals are sad: I want 5 bouncy houses (because I’m 5), Batman, and snow cones
Emilie and Ryan Matthias will honor Garrett’s final wishes by having a Celebration of Life on Saturday, July 14th from 5pm – 11pm at 2377 132nd Ct Van Meter, Iowa
Note: Symbolic Asgardian burial ceremony and fireworks will be held just after sunset
A private burial of Garrett’s ashes will be held at a later time once his parents figure out how the hell to get his ashes made into a tree and locate a nature preserve, so his tree resides in a protected area.
Donations can be made directly to the family https://www.gofundme.com/garrett-mathiasmathias-family or in Garrett’s honor to a few of the many non-profits that helped Garrett along the way: The Little Al Foundation (https://www.littlealfoundation.com), The Pink Tractor Foundation (https://www.facebook.com/PinkTractorFoundation) and the University of Iowa Dance Marathon (https://dancemarathon.uiowa.edu)
We are so grateful to the many doctors, nurses, child life specialists, musicians, art therapists, and volunteers that worked tirelessly to cure Garrett of his cancer. The reality for Garrett and so many other children is pediatric cancer is an ugly, nasty beast that leaves a path of destruction. For Garrett and many others before him – cancer kills. Those that are ‘lucky’ enough to survive endure long term debilitating side effects and the constant fear of relapse. We will fight for a cure until no other kids are robbed of their childhood, no other siblings lose their best friends, and no other parents have to bury their babies.
Garrett endured nine months of hell before he lost his battle with cancer. During that time he never lost his sense of humor and loved to tease the doctors and nurses. From whoopy cushions and sneaking clothes pins on their clothes to ‘hazing’ the interns and new staff doctors, he was forever a prankster. Nothing caught people off guard as his response to ‘see ya later alligator’:
See ya later, suckas! - The Great Garrett Underpants
Tammy Allen
07/16/2018
Garrett,
We heard this morning about your brave battle with cancer. You touched our hearts and lives all the way down here in Florida. You are a super hero, a tree and the gorilla you wanted to be. God speed little one and forever watch over your mommy, daddy and sister. Thank you for making our world a better place.
Haley Cormier
07/16/2018
Reading this gave me a little more faith in humanity during a dark time. Thank you. It sounds like Garrett had a lifetimes worth of humor, strength, and personality all concentrated into his 5 short years on Earth. What a rad kid, and clearly rad parents. Im sure the crazy kids I teach would have loved your sons company (and advice) when wreaking havoc on my classroom. Much love from an American living in Thailand. xoxo
Alexandra
07/16/2018
What a very special boy you had. I am so sorry for your loss. The world is sadder for his passing. But as Garrett himself knew, he is not really gone. His energy cannot be destroyed. He has merely changed form. Sending love to your family from Melbourne, Australia.
Eric Sorensen
07/16/2018
Rest in power young warrior. I didn't know you but you helped me today. Skol!
Ms. A
07/16/2018
Congratulations! Garrett has already made it into the trees as his cremated body gave up its CO2, the carbon-giving food for trees and other plants! So, not only one, but many trees now possess his essence and await the day the great happy gorilla returns! My sincere condolences to the family, you were blessed with such a special boy.
Brannon Favel
07/16/2018
What a dude! A warmth in my heart as I hear of his courage and high spirits.
Love from New Zealand
Angela Prater
07/15/2018
My deepest condolences to you and your family. I read Garretts obituary when it was shared on Facebook. You dont know me but I want to send an extra bit of love and prayers your way. Your little man has touched the world with his spirit. I truly believe he is with the angels and looking down on us all with his Batman cape forever on. Love to you all!
MB of Rochester
07/15/2018
My sincerest condolences. Sending love to a beautiful boy and his family.
LaToya Bexley
07/15/2018
Sending love from Georgia. Cancer sucks!!! I offer my condolences to you and your family as I deal with the recent death of my 4 y.o. to neuroblastoma appx 2 weeks ago. Garretts story gives me comfort and strength as I realize I am not alone. I loved his obituary. It was very uplifting. Bless you all. May you continue to have strength in the days to come. #CUREchildhoodcancer
Okc Bradens
07/15/2018
Our condolences go out to your family. The great Garrett underpants seemed like an amazing,strong & funny little man. His obituary will be one to be remembered. Garrett touched so many hearts, thanks little guy for sharing your strength with world. Many prayers to all the family.
Holly Joy
07/15/2018
Wow Garrett! I wanted to read through the condolences but there are so many of them, which is incredible. Look at all of the lives that you touched Little Dude! You are my hero with how you lived life and kept your sense of humor through the most courageous battle that you had to fight. You did not do so in vain. Because of you, I will climb more trees, love deeper, and not take things so seriously. You were beyond amazing Kiddo! Prayers for those that you left behind!
Maureen Spadone
07/15/2018
Fly with the angels, sweet boy. You were the real superhero. Garrett will one day be reunited with all of you, the people he loved most. Believe that. May God wrap his loving arms around you, his family, all of his friends, the nurses, doctors, and everyone else who is deeply mourning the loss of this beautiful child. May the tears you shed for Garrett someday be replaced with smiles as you remember his beautiful spirit and your precious memories of him. Tucking you all into my prayers.
Danielle Ambrosius
07/15/2018
To Garret's parents, how brave you are for approaching the passing of your precious child in the most positive way possible. Thank you for sharing Garret's battle with the world. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers for a long time. May God provide comfort and healing in the days ahead.
Donovan
07/15/2018
I am very sorry for your loss, but we know that there is life after death through Jesus Christ, this is not a loss, but a see you soon, we will see you soon Michael
Jenn
07/15/2018
He sounds like he was an amazing kid, and a blast to know and love. I'm so sorry for your loss, and for the loss of those who will never get the chance to meet him.