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
Greg - Canada
07/13/2018
I just read of Garrett's passing... What an amazing little boy with a saucy sense of humour. His story brought me to tears and gave me a chuckle. God bless.
Kim - Tampa, Florida
07/13/2018
I am so very sorry for the loss of your little boy. Your loving tribute to him has touched my heart. God Bless your beautiful family.
Alan Majeski
07/13/2018
Thank you for sharing your son's story with the world. This struck home to me as I have a 2 year old nephew that means the world to me. I really wish I could have met Garrett as we had a lot in common. I'm a wise guy too. I just hope that when my time comes I can approach it with as much style and aplomb as you son. Look up Bios Urn, so that Garrett can hang out in his tree as a gorilla.
Ann Meadows
07/13/2018
What an amazing little boy you had. Just reading his words brought tears to my eyes. Even for just a few short years, you were so blessed to have him. My thoughts and many prayers are with you and your family. God bless you all and God bless you Garrett.
Kathleen M Winter
07/13/2018
Holding your family close to my heart.
Elizabeth
07/13/2018
Watch out Jesus, Garrett came with his whoopie cushion! To the Matthias family, I am laughing through my tears with you. Praying that the memories of his spunky little 5 year old soul provide some comfort for the pain you feel in your hearts over his inconceivable loss.
Rynn - Texas
07/13/2018
My heart goes out to you! Such a special little guy!
Eileen Lacey
07/13/2018
My very deepest sympathy in the passing of your Sweet Angel. His positive attitude speaks deeply of his love of family. You truly have an Angel resting in God's arms. Love & prayers are being sent to all of you there. God bless.
Cathy - Iowa
07/13/2018
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your very own Superhero. What a precious, brave little boy. Sadly, gone too soon. May he rest in peace and soar with the angels.
Always be yourself. Unless you can be Batman. Then always be Batman. Oh, wait... Then always be The Great Garret Underpants!
Dan McBride
07/13/2018
WHAT A BRAVE AND BLESSED GIFT FROM GOD!!! ETERNAL JOY AND PEACE WITH JESUS!!!
Monica Riley
07/13/2018
God Bless that sweet little boy and his family. He made me smile through tears while reading his obituary, which I think Garrett would like. And to Garrett's family, stay strong and know that your sweet, brave boy has touched many hearts in his short life. May God bless you and keep you in His loving arms.
Tina C Chism
07/13/2018
Wow....Garrett was clearly AWESOME!! as must be his family as well.
Christian Santos
07/13/2018
I smiled and laughed through tears reading about your crazy monkey. My deepest condolences. Huge hugs to you and all your loved ones.
Na-Na-Na-Na
Na-Na-Na-Na
Na-Na-Na-Na
Na-Na-Na-Na
BATMAN!
Sherry
07/13/2018
This will sound strange, but that is the most beautiful thing I have every read. I grieve with you, even though I never met your family. But the next time I see the leafs in my trees move I will think of Great Garrett Underpants. Bless you as you continue Garrett's with out him, but always with his guidance . He will be an angel for all children.
United States Marine
07/13/2018
Garrett, you are truly my "Hero". Your story has touched me deeply. You will always be a "Lion", who refused to back down, who refused to give up, and who never stopped clawing your way to the fight. What an example for all of us to live by. Thank you!
As I read the story of the Matthias family to include Garrett's obituary the tears flowed effortlessly down my face as both sadness and happiness flooded my heart. Sadness because the loss of child in any terms is so very hard, whether immediate or long term, the outcome is still the same, they are not with us (physically) anymore. Happiness, because the suffering and pain are over, and peace has finally divorced his fight with cancer and hardship forever.
To this brave, courageous and hurting family, thank you for sharing, I know it will touch the masses, and fill hearts. It did mine.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
"Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him".
Semper Fi
Marine