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
Emily MacEachern
07/15/2018
This obituary was absolutely beautiful. I cannot imagine how you must feel right now. I sat here and tried to put myself in your situation and I just cried my eyes out.
Keep The Great Garrett Underpants' memory alive forever, and not just in your heart. Share his story, share your memories, talk about him every single day.
You are so very blessed to have had such a wonderful son. I have to believe that you will all be reunited one day and the pain will all be a distant memory.
Jennifer
07/15/2018
There arent words but I will try. I have no doubt your son has inspired folks to value lives and relationships a little more and to be grateful for all blessings, big and small. The world is better because he was part of it. Incredibly sorry for your loss. Sending love from Texas.
Sherry Devereux
07/15/2018
My heart breaks for you. What a trooper and joy in your life! God has special plans for this little one.
MR
07/15/2018
What a brave soul. I hope his spirit gorilla finds many trees to play in.
Alain Bilodeau
07/15/2018
Most Sincere Condolences To The Family.
Garrett, Your Tree Will Be As Solid as an Oak Little Angel.
You Are My Favorite Superheroe.
BB
07/15/2018
Wow, what an amazing little boy. You wrote a beautiful tribute to his life. May God give your whole family comfort knowing Garret is in Heaven among the Angels no longer in pain.
Chris Batinsey
07/15/2018
May your tree grow and grow forever.
RIP The Great Garrett Underpants
Andrea Jackson
07/15/2018
Dear Mom &
Dad, family, friends, all medical professionals & all those who knew Garrett and those who didn't but were touched by his precious life. I'm really sorry for the loss of Garrett. He seemed like a really amazing kid, with a really big heart. I know he had to be for leaving such an amazing Legacy behind. After reading his obituary it's brought so many tears to my eyes my prayer is that people with cancer will be healed and not suffer anymore .. My prayers are with each of you.
TP
07/15/2018
I am so very sorry for the loss of Garret. May the family and his dear friends find comfort knowing hes not suffering or in pain anymore. Children are resilient and I love reading about his positive spirit despite dealing with what he did. I look forward to the Bibles promise at (Rev 21:4) when no one, not even children will have to battle such a beast as cancer.
Brian Burton
07/15/2018
Rest well, little one. May your tree grow tall.
Margaret Partner
07/15/2018
With tears and a smile I read your dear Garrett's obituary. I hope this little bit of information will help you find the tree under which to bury Garrett's ashes. I recently read a book by Peter Wohlleben, called the Hidden Life of Trees. The author cares for a woodland in Germany where one can "buy" a tree and bury loved-ones ashes under it.
Sylvia Davis
07/15/2018
Now this is a real-life superhero, one who has the power to touch and inspire thousands of people he never even met. His family is blessed to have had 5 years with this incredible, one-of-a-kind young man. Fly high, Garrett.
Jonathan Schooler
07/15/2018
Just randomly stumbled on Garrett's story. He was obviously an amazing child. Condolences on your loss and congratulations on having brought such a brave soul into the world who was able to inspire people who never met him.
Leland Estrada
07/15/2018
There is NO evil that can take you from love! Go and be at peace young soul!
Pam
07/15/2018
I'm so sorry for the suffering that Garrett and your family have been through. What an extraordinary being Garrett was. How fortunate you were to have him in your life for 5 years. How fortunate I am to know his story.