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
Crystal Rivers
07/12/2018
A short life a huge impact, worth it all...
Lisa
07/12/2018
Saw this on Face Book, what an incredible little guy, I bet he was a joy and a cute little prankster. I'm so very sorry for the loss of your sweet Angle, Gods gained a true super hero, and a loss to the rest of the world. My heartfelt sympathies to your family.
Amy Pohl
07/12/2018
My deepest condolences to his parents,siblings and family.May he rest in peace .
SST
07/12/2018
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. The heavens have gained one incredible angel.
Melissa
07/12/2018
I found this via 10TV.com in Columbus, OH. I am so very, very sorry for your loss. God blessed you with a wonderful young man for 5 precious years. Know that Garrett is now entertaining angles in Heaven and will be excited when you meet again.
Rebecca
07/12/2018
May your family find strength and peace somehow.
Patrick Garrett
07/12/2018
The best part of my day was coming across Garrett's story! What an inspiration he is! Words cannot fill wounds but bouncy houses can overcome sadness! I would be honored to help with a memorial for this super hero!
Dylan Ostrander
07/12/2018
I am not a soft man. I was linked here from CNN. It pained me to read that. I hope some day no kid or parents will ever have to deal with that. You deserve the world for walking Garret through that experience.
America
07/12/2018
My deepest condolences.
Aimee
07/12/2018
What a beautiful thing to see a child so clear on who he truly was. You must be incredible parents. Ill be praying for strength and joy for you on the 14th. Im so sorry for your pain and loss.He sounds like a firecracker in the best way- bouncy houses do sound like a better idea.
Deedra Bartlett
07/12/2018
What a treasure you have in the 5 years of memories of the Great Garrett Underpants! I am so inspired by your determination to honor his wishes and also to share him with all of us. From now on every gorilla I see will make me think of Garrett and wonder if this one is him! Play hard and enjoy the trees! No more pain, needles or dirty, stupid cancer!
Alex from Colorado
07/12/2018
Just read the article, and I just sat and thought about everything... much love to sir underpants and I know that tree will give plenty comfort to all. Very sorry for your loss and thank you for sharing.
Debbie
07/12/2018
God be with you till you meet again. What an amazing and strong little boy! I didn't know him yet I can somehow see his little face giggling in delight as he would prank others. Be strong mom and dad as he is still with you in heart. I too have experienced the loss & know the pain. But if he was that amazing at the age of 5, I can only imagine how great you all must be. Sweet prayers for you all and some extra for his sweet sister too. He is with god and waiting for you to join him. Until then, he is happy and in no pain.
Many hugs,
Debbie
Brenda Weemes
07/12/2018
Read his story linked from news station Oklahoma, My prayers to you and your family & friends. He sounded like he was beautiful and a little fire cracker to boot, a sweetie.God Bless you and yours. Sorry that your little firecracker left too soon but he will forever be in your hearts. Prayers continue, for a cure for Cancer for all.. Will keep you in prayers.God knows who I'll speak of.
Kim
07/12/2018
I read this story online. Your little boy was a fighter just like he wanted to be. Thank you for sharing Great Garrett Underpants obituary. I am so very sorry for your loss. R.I.P. Garrett.