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
Henk Klaver
07/13/2018
No words, R.I.P. little one.
Niki Killian
07/13/2018
Here as sad as it is to type is the answer as to "how the hell to get his ashes into a tree"
www.earthporm.com
I remember reading about this a few months ago. I hope this helps, I know I like the idea of living on after I'm gone. He will be a beautiful silver back gorilla, strong & proud. Much love and prayers to your family.
Fergi
07/13/2018
My condolences for your loss. I did not know him, but my, what a hero your son was! I will tell my children of The Great Garrett Underpants! Thank you for sharing your son's sweet spirit with everyone!
Stefanie Blakely
07/13/2018
Found your son's obituary from an online article and had to leave a note telling you that your beautiful family is in my thoughts. I work for Children's of Alabama and see way too many children effected by childhood cancer. I hope your bright and brave son's story brings more awareness to this disease. His words and story touched all of us today. Much love to your family.
Stephanie Austen
07/13/2018
Thank you for sharing Garrett's story. Please take comfort that he has touched others and will continue to live in the hearts and minds of so many people who never had the great fortune to meet this very special child.
Lacy Thompson
07/13/2018
Thank you for sharing your son's amazing spirit with the world. He was entrusted to you because you let him shine. I'm sorry for your loss. It is hard to say "later" to such a wonder. But there will be a later . . .
Ethel
07/13/2018
So sad, I cried as I read the obituary
your son is an angel, God has many plans for Garrett.
God Bless
Mathieu Steenland
07/13/2018
What a brave little boy who'll shine for ever in the stars. An example to us all. God bless!
Belgium
Lago Family
07/13/2018
What a gorgeous angel, the bat wings are a nice touch! God bless your baby.
Karl
07/13/2018
I wept when I read Garrett's story, and his obituary. I am not as brave, nor as fearless, as he was. I recall, though, the words of George S. Patton, who said: It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived. Your son was a man before his time, and a warrior. May God bless and keep your family.
Kathleen Van Schuyler
07/13/2018
I am a cancer survivor and I think God left me here on Earth to talk about my experience and help people cope. You son was brave, and God has plans for him. God bless you and your family.
Joshua Wetmore
07/13/2018
I just read the Obit. Sad face. I should not have done that at work. Now my eyes are watery. I am so sorry for your loss. Truly sorry. He really seemed like one of the special one. I would have love to get to know him. Go to his world and provide a little companionship. I could not wish this onto anyone. Remember the good times. Things happen for a reason. I know it sucks right now. It is going to suck for a while. I could not even imagine being in your shoes. I will think of you and your son for a long time. I pray for the family, the grace of peace, and strength during this time. Amen.
Juan Plazas
07/13/2018
Such a beautiful soul. Good vibes to all of your family from Bogota, Colombia.
Kim barthel
07/13/2018
Im so sorry about your son Garret what a little beautiful soul he really loved life thats what makes this so hard for you hes your baby and always will be with you hes in your memories and heart so he will live through you I dont know you but read this and I wanted to tell you there is a company in the US called Bio Urns I too want to be a tree when I pass my kids hate the idea but I think living on through a tree is awesome if you search them youll see how it works its not expensive and your son will have his wish and youll be at peace to I hope this helps you and comforts you and I send my heartfelt condolences to you and your little boy huggs and many prayers If I can help in any way let me know I have no affiliation with Bio urns only that its my wish to much love to you Kim
Michael Edwardy
07/13/2018
I cried as I read the obituary of "The Great Garrett Underpants". My love is with you and your family in celebrating and grieving the life of this spectacular young man. God will take care of Garrett, and all of you will be reunified in Heaven. My love is also with the wonderful family that provided such incredible love for this little HERO."