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
Denise from Ohio
07/13/2018
Amazing little boy , he touched my heart ... he will be blessed beyond !
Sandy Fraley
07/13/2018
I didn't know you or your family. i read your story today in Ohio. Prayers for your family and you. You sound like a great little HERO. God bless.
Cheryl Miles
07/13/2018
I never met your beautiful son Garrett but am so humbled and moved by his short life of bravery grace and humor. I am praying for your peace until your joyous reunion again!
Jean-François D'Auteuil
07/13/2018
I'm sorry for your lost. What an amazing little boy.
Fatmata B khella
07/13/2018
This is the kind of story that makes me wonder why some of us that live longer do so little in life. At five, your son was indeed a GIANT. He left a legacy of toughness,decisiveness, and inspiration, an example we all must follow. May he RIP and best wishes to his family.
Rose
07/13/2018
Thank you for sharing your special son and his uplifting story with us. It is an honor to feel the love, and light, and innocent humor that just radiates from your beautiful boy. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I pray God's peace over your family. Thank you again for blessing us with the gift of meeting your angel.
Charie
07/13/2018
Dear Great Garrett Underpants: My how you've touched us! I know that you will be the MIGHTIEST SILVERBACK in the most GLORIOUS TREE!! And keep up the jokes in Heaven - Angel's love to play. To the family and friends - no words can ease your loss of this amazing boy. Have fun bouncing, bounce higher and longer through your tears. Mr. Underpants would like that! Much love to all of you.
D. Rice
07/13/2018
Please accept my deepest and most sincere condolences. Garrett sounded like a such wonderful little boy, and you are surely the most wonderful parents. I am so saddened by your loss.
Edward Rodriguez
07/13/2018
Mr. Underpants,
You will grow into the tallest tree ever known and your gorilla self will never tire of climbing and exploring your majesty.
James Lynch
07/13/2018
I opened my phone today to see your sons obituary. It brought tears of happiness and sorrow. There are really no words that could match how remarkable your son is. I really feel for your whole family. May peace be with you all and GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
Lisa Peterson
07/13/2018
God most certainly entrusted Garrett to the two most beautiful souls he could have ever known on this earth. May that same God who now holds Garrett hold you in the palm of His hands. Thank you for sharing the gift of your beautiful boy.
Praying that beautiful memories will bring peace to your hearts and smiles to your lips as you journey on in light and love.
Barbara linder
07/13/2018
I was touched by your story . I know your heartache. Garett sounds like a special child, bright and so full of himself. His memory will live with you forever. Prayers for all of you.
Dionte Gilmer
07/13/2018
My condolences to the family, Garrett sounds like a very happy little guy. Thank you for sharing Garrett's story and keeping him alive in all of us. May god give you strength.
Vincent Thompson
07/13/2018
Little man you truly a bright light. I know you're tree will be the greatest tree in the forest..
Tonia Parker
07/13/2018
Garrett sounds like an awesome little man whose humor continues to touch people even in death. Thank you for sharing that piece of his spark. I'm very sorry for your loss.