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
Vic Faggella
07/12/2018
I truly sorry for your loss. Garrett was a blessing in the short time he was on this earth.
There is an urn that can be used to grow a tree:
www.urnabios.com
My prayers are with you an your family.
Kelly Slattery
07/12/2018
Thank you for sharing your amazing child with the world. Rest In Peace beautiful one.
Shi
07/12/2018
My LORD!! Sweet baby boy you are a hero!! You are looking down on your family soaring high. Rest in soooo much fun baby. Your so loved by everyone!!!
Rebecca
07/12/2018
I am so sorry for your loss. He sounds like he was an amazing little person. Sending love to all of you.
Karmen
07/12/2018
Im so sorry for your loss. He sounds like he was a great kid. Im not sure if anyone helped point you in any direction, but if you Google The Living Urn, you will find a product that can supposedly grow a tree out of ashes. I hope this helps! (I couldnt post a link to it.)
Batman
07/12/2018
Garrett, the Hero we all deserve.
Robin Pankuch
07/12/2018
So sorry for you loss, sounds like you had the Greatest Super Hero ever (Garrett) hugs to all of you
Melissa
07/12/2018
You do not know me but I read about your young beautiful boy through his obituary. When he said that he wanted to be a tree, I smiled because I want this for myself. If you look up the Living Urn, this may be the way that dear Garret can be a tree. May you find your strength though this time with God and your loved ones.
Nicole Fantozzi
07/12/2018
This little boy is so very creative and wonderful (and I never got the chance to be pranked by him). I laughed and cried as I read his personal obituary. My son is a cancer survivor so I remember the good, the bad, and the ugly! I will pray for the family as they honor their son the way he chose to be remembered. Rest easy Garrett and keep your family smiling and laughing always!!
Tamara
07/12/2018
Dearest child, thank you for sharing your story with us. You have a loving family and I hope you get to come back as a gorilla as you wish. This obituary brightened up my spirits with laughter and imagination. You have a kind heart. May you rest in peace and be cancer-free in heaven.
Manuel Lucero
07/12/2018
I will not say sorry for lose. But Happy for wealth of love and the smiles,laughs he provide to your family in such a short time. I hope he turns out be a big strong tree for all of animals who live within his branchs and his shade for years to come.
DHJ
07/12/2018
What a beautiful, beautiful boy - and what great parents - to be able to honor your Garrett's wishes while trying to navigate what has to be the most unspeakably difficult time of your lives speaks volumes about the kind of family you all are. My heart aches for you. I pray you are able to find some comfort in the warmth of loving memories of your little man -- and for Dad's sake, let's hope Garrett the Gorilla's aim is poor. May God hold you all in His loving hands.
Jane
07/12/2018
Garrett sounds like a wonderful little boy who left a huge legacy. Have you considered contacting a sculptor to use his ashes to build a tree of clay or bronze that you can keep near you always. That way you can watch over him while he plays in his tree.
M. Kraft
07/12/2018
My heart breaks for you all. I know you will honor Garret's short life for the rest of yours. May God bless and comfort you until you're reunited in due time with the "Great Garrett Underpants" in heaven.
Jennifer Gengarella
07/12/2018
My deepest condolences. I'm crying and laughing at the same time. Garrett has touched more people in his short 5 years than most will ever do in 80. I'm sure he's swinging in his tree, cancer free, happy and healthy. Thank you for that wonderful obituary. My prayers are with your entire family. And Garrett- please say hi to my red haired cousin Julie who's in Heaven from cancer too. She may help you throw poo!