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
Kevin Meutsch
02/10/2023
Thank you so much for sharing some of the beauty of dear Garrett! His being is eternal and will create another way to express his inspiring spirit after a well deserved rest. Bless you all...
Dori Ann Upham
02/10/2023
Garrett,
When you get to be a gorilla, I hope you have a blast and
'play with all the kids. As well as throwing poop at your Dad. Don't be too surprised if he doesn't have something for you to. You got your sense of humor from your parent you know.
There is a little boy named Sean in heaven with you. Even though I was just a friend of the family I think I can say he'll have some more ideas for you. You guys are getting along well I'm sure.
For the parents.....Garrett faced death like the superheroes he loved. I am sure that his life continues in more than a superhero way. God bless and keep. Know that you are loved more than you can ever know.
'
'
Diana Williams
02/10/2023
To the people that knew this young soul my heart breaks. I too am stumbling thru cancer. But I have lived over half my life. My husband and I would look at the small children early on in our journey and I would always pray that they would make it thru. I would pray that I would be taken first so that they could experience life. It doesn't always work out that way but Garrett is now one of our heavenly angels and I look forward to when I can meet him. You are all in my thoughts and prayers
Stephanie
02/10/2023
I did not have the pleasure of knowing Garrett, or his family. I came across this online, and as my eyes filled with tears, I had to reply. My baby boy Lucas has passed as well, but not from cancer. My heart goes out to you all. May he fly high above with my son and all the angels in peace. With a heart full of love, I send your family my condolences, and continual prayers. God bless.
Diana Wilkes
02/10/2023
I'm so sorry you lost your baby. He sounds like a superhero i would have loved to know. He is a superhero among all of us. May you all be blessed and know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Especially with Garret Underpants.
Love to you all.
Kayla
02/10/2023
Wow. What an amazing and brave boy! My heart is shattered after reading his story and obituary. I'm deeply sorry for your loss and as a mother, I am heartbroken and in tears. But what a blessing to be parents of such an awesome kid! I know it's easier said but I truly and deeply believe, this is only a "see you later" moment. You will see Garrett again! For now, you are filled with beautiful memories. Continue to honor him as you have! I pray God continue to bless you all and continue to give you the strength needed until you all are reunited again! You will all have time again to share more incredible moments and more incredible stories! Garrett, keep soaring. Your story is known by many. Thank you for serving as such an amazing example of what life is about....love and laughter. <3
Oneida A Musa
02/10/2023
Well, hello Garrett Underpants! My grandson, Robin (Batman's pal) is four years old and in Heaven as well. I think you guys would get along very well. Will you teach him to build with Legos? May God bless you and your Mom, Dad and family.
Elaine
02/10/2023
Such a super hero. He passed into eternity as a brave young soldier. "May the force be with you,"
God Bless you and your family,
Salvatore Morici
02/10/2023
What a brave young man. Sad to see you go so soon and my only wish is that Jesus welcomes you with open arms. Love from my heart to yours, a friend, Sal
Brian Marshall
02/10/2023
I know that it has been almost five years since Garrett passed away and I can honestly say that it does get better over time. It has been 15 years since my younger brother died of cancer. I never heard of Garrett until I read the article about him and read his obituary. I hope that Garrett's family and friends take some comfort in these condolences. RIP Garrett Michael Matthais and keep soaring with the angels.
Diana
02/10/2023
God Bless you and your beautiful son, what amazing special kid. More people should read his obituary, how smart, happy and intelligent way to manage this nightmare, I do have cancer for second time, it is hard but I'm sure that what it makes everything hard is our attitude. Congratulation for the opportunity to enjoy this amazing kid. My prayers are with you.
Cherie Fletcher
02/10/2023
Like you, I have my own little light in heaven. My hope is that these two crazy boys are playing together and causing all the mischief they can. Hugs to your family.
MB Imondi
02/10/2023
Sincerest condolences on the loss of such an amazing soul ... he's with God now but will always be with you!
Mike Alton
02/10/2023
Such a beautiful person and soul and very heartfelt. I laughed and cried, mainly cried. I pray for you and your family to have peace. May Garrett Rest in PEACE with the Holy Spirit, Our Father in Heaven. Stay strong. 😭🙏✝⛪
Kiana Griffin
02/10/2023
God bless you and your son. What a light he was! This touched my heart as I'm sure it did many others.