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
PapaJahn
07/12/2018
Rest in Peace Garrett, for all the pain is gone.
Your life, although way too brief, has touch millions around the world.
The Great Garrett Underpants will live forever more!!!
Angie Harris
07/12/2018
What an amazing little boy! As I was reading his story I was thinking what an amazing attitude he had. If only we all could learn from your son. Prayers for you and your family during this time but know that you have the most amazing guardian angel ever!
Lori Nock
07/12/2018
Sending deep condolences from California. Bulldog reminds me of how I need to cherish my life and live it to the fullest. Love to you all.
Mark Furnish
07/12/2018
Every Joker needs his Batman. Rest In Peace Baby Boy.
Gilbert Cantin, Edmonton, Canada
07/12/2018
The story of your son really touched me. 7 months ago my 2.0 year old son got diagnosed with liver cancer. For a while we did not know if he was going to make it. Luckily it was in stage 1. He got surgery and chemo therapy. I know how lucky I am to still have him around. Be proud of your son as he lived with cancer in a coureaous way. Seeing these children sick make us adult wonder how can they be so strong. I do not know you guys but I became emotional when I read your son story because I know too well what you and him went thru. Stay strong. I will be donating to your go fund me Campaign to help you realize his last wishes.
Jerone Ferren
07/12/2018
Sounds like an incredible kid. My condolences for your loss. God bless!
Cindy McBrayer
07/12/2018
Sending our Sympathy from Florida! Garrett is my hero! I hope you dont mind that I shared his story on my FB page.
Sylvie
07/12/2018
I only know Gorilla (Garett) because i read is obituary.
He seem's like a hero!
May he rest in peace now in heaven with Thor's mom!
My dearest sympathy to your family from Quebec xoxo
Tammy
07/12/2018
Wowzers!! The tears flowed for you and your son! Bouncy houses and snow cones are some of my favorites and I know in some way he will be bouncing right with you!! Five years and you truly know the meaning of life my little friend! Rest in peace, no more needles, no more tears.
Sheri
07/12/2018
I am so sorry for the families lost, but may the God of confort help you during this sad time.
Cassie Kitchens
07/12/2018
I didn't know Garrett, but he made me laugh, even in the afterlife. RIP little buddy.
Mary Gaboury
07/12/2018
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you at this difficult time. I know the loss of a child but not one so young. Garrit underpants will forever have a place in his tree. Forever swing happily underpants.
Rev Amanda Hemenetz
07/12/2018
Prayers from New Jersey. God bless you, strengthen you, and give you peace.
Linda Smeck
07/12/2018
I just read this article and I thought I would say that even though I didnt know you I loved you, but then I realized that was wrong. Because you shared yourself I DID know you AND I did love you. Im so glad you get to live in a tree and will never feel pain again, beautiful boy.
Jane
07/12/2018
God bless your son. I will pray for him and your family. I am so moved by his inspiring attitude and joy for life. A remarkable young man.