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
Yolanda Remy (Florida)
07/14/2018
May The Lord grant you all peace and safety in his arms as you grieve for this beautiful baby. He is only sleep and you will see his face again! Rest is paradise lil guy!!!
Maya Kathrine Andersen
07/14/2018
Have a safe journey Garrett towards the skies, where I am sure you will absolutely shine and bring strength to your family. Love Maya from Denmark
P. Butango
07/14/2018
All hail Garrett Underpants! Your battles here are through. Enjoy Valhalla, BatWarrior! Your tree will grow strong.
Tim Pearce
07/14/2018
Sending love to your family, and gratitude towards your little boy for the jolt of life and love he brought me today. What a rockstar.
Nadya
07/14/2018
Wauw. The world has truly lost a great soul. I can't imagine how it is to lose a child, and I'm so very sorry for your loss. Such a precious boy from what I've read. He will surely get to meet Thor in Valhalla until he becomes a gorilla with his own tree. You must love him very much. I'm happy he stayed so cheerful until the end. Once again so sorry for your loss! Sending my prayers your way!
Traci
07/14/2018
My deepest heartfelt condolences to your family. Thank you for sharing this with the world. I pray for peace and strength for you and I hope you find comfort that Garrette's words have touched so many people. That is going to be one incredible tree for sure.
Rick Jordan
07/14/2018
I just saw your story on TODAY's Facebook. What a kick ass little guy. I'm so very sorry to hear about your loss. I can't even image what you're going through. Cancer does suck. I hope you find some peace in the memories. May God watch over you all. Now Garrett, go kick ass in Heaven.
Aly
07/14/2018
Valhalla is luck to have gained such a strong warrior.
Rest easy, Viking Underpants x
Alonso Peon Escalante
07/14/2018
Thanks Garrett Michael Matthias
Tony (Malta)
07/14/2018
Just came by Garrett's obituary clip by accident. Such a brave, witty and intellectual 5-year old. I am sure the Almighty has you right up there in the front pew! God Bless you always Garrett. Sincere condolences to the family. x
Tina L.
07/14/2018
May the memories built with your dear sweet little loved one Garrett and the comfort from the God of all comfort (1 Corinthians 1:3,4) bring you strength to endure this difficult time.
Alonso Peon-Escalante
07/14/2018
I remember very few things that
have made me cry so deeply and
so transparently in my life, I'm 76.
I, ceartenly don't know yet, how
much I'm also crying for myself.
THANKS SUCKAS
Parents (and many others) I will be
very close to you today.
Adam Peers
07/14/2018
Absolutely incredible inspiring obituary. Such a brave attitude and courageous approach to a truly awful disease. Can't imagine Garrets family's pain at the moment. But his short life has reached out and made people laugh right around the world, and makes us thankful for every day on this planet.
Deepest and most sincere condolences - Adam Peers
Viranee (Malaysia)
07/14/2018
You are the superhero of all times, Garrett. Not even Thor holds a candle to you.
Sleep tight, little angel.
The stars and moon in all the nine realms will look after you till Mummy and Daddy get there
Jane (Canada)
07/14/2018
Heartfelt sympathy to all of you. Even though we are strangers, as a mother and grandmother, I can only imagine the devastation you must feel at the loss of your beautiful boy. Hope it helps to know that others are thinking of you. RIP Garrett xo