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
Katie Farris
07/13/2018
IM SO HURT TO HEAR THIS , BABY BOY UR SO HUMOROUS, SWEET NATURED AND LOVING ALL AROUND. UR BE MISS VERY WELL, AFTER READING THIS INDEPTH IM SO HURT AND SICK IN THE STOMACHE..WITH TEARS FALLING. U ARE AN AMAZING KID..WITH MUCH LOVE LIVE ON BABY..
Amelia Stewart (Maryland)
07/13/2018
Condolences to the amazing family of an amazing soul. His joy in life and living could have been stomped out by cancer but he refused to let that happen. May your memories of his puckish nature outweigh your sorrow at his absence. *sends healing and positive energy*
Lisa Remus (Indiana)
07/13/2018
My condolences Matthias Family. This transition will be difficult. I am sorry you lost a beautiful boy with a super(hero) soul. Cancer does 'suck", but you all are handling this with such grace. God bless you all. (And remember, you can also plant a tree in your backyard in his memory, and mix in the ashes there.)
Denise T
07/13/2018
I don't know you but I wish we were neighbors. I love pranking my grandkids and I am sure Garrett would love to be apart of them getting revenge. So sorry for your loss. His story touched me in a way that none ever had. God bless and my condolences
Melody Lema
07/13/2018
Thank you for sharing this. I lost a son at birth, but your little boy has helped me realize that they are "monkeying" around together. Bless you and him, and have a bounce for us; Stephen's Mom
Bret
07/13/2018
I avoided reading of Garret's story because I knew how it would end. I'm so glad I did, because I found we have so much in common. He sounds amazing and we can learn from him. As a parent I cannot imagine the loss, but know that I and many others today weep for Garret.
Donna Clark
07/13/2018
What a precious loving, brave little boy. l just recently lost my brother to cancer, much older than Garret, but, I feel your pain. My heart aches for you. I was with hospice for 20 years so I sense what your going thru.
Sharon Thompson,
07/13/2018
Garrett sounds like an amazing little boy you had for to short a time. I'm sure he's in heaven looking down on you.
Robert Rosenblum
07/13/2018
Your son, Garrett, sounds like he was my kind of person. What strength of character you gave him! I will read his obituary over again many times as I now begin my own faceoff with cancer. He uplifted those he loved and the many who now know of him through your generosity in sharing. My thoughts are with you tonight.
Stacy Remke
07/13/2018
I read you were wondering how to make Garretts wish to be a tree come about. Please Google tree pods burials for suggestions. . I have worked with childrens nd families like Garrett and yours for many years. Thank you for your courage and honesty, and for sharing your boys wonderful spirit with all of us.
Deb (New Jersey)
07/13/2018
I cried after reading Garrett's obituary and was so touched! What a special little boy! My deepest condolence to Garrett's family. Cancer is terrible! Please we need to cure this dreadful horrible disease!
Linda Miller
07/13/2018
Garrett sounds like my kind of kid, fun, imaginative, loving and kind! Tomorrow is my 70th birthday and I am honored to share the day with Garrett and his Celebration of Life. Best wishes for an amazing day celebrating an amazing kid !
Nicole
07/13/2018
What a great kid! I am so sorry for your loss. I wanted to let you know there is a company called, The Living Urn that makes ashes into trees. Make sure you pick a big tree, I have a funny feeling he'll be a big gorilla with that big personality. Cherish your memories and know your boy is in a much better place.
Brenda (sacramento Ca)
07/13/2018
I do not know you or your precious boy but I smiled as I read his story, I am so sorry for your loss, but he is with god and is looking down on your and your family, smiling..I love the name "great Garret underpants".sending prayers and strength your way....
Valerie DeClue
07/13/2018
As a nurse of 25 years I dont cry easily but I teared up immediately when I saw Garretts picture and read the first couple of lines. Life can feel so savage and unfair at times. Those who accept their burdens with grace and humor, like your son, give a precious gift of hope to all of the rest of us. May Garretts life be a lesson for everyone his history touches. And may the knowledge that he is no longer suffering bring you peace.