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
Deb Nelson
07/11/2018
Im out of town and cant make it there but Mr Underpants taught me so much when Id stop in and say hey. I loved his pranks and his upbeat attitude about life. Me. Underpants, you will forever be in my heart. Thank you for all the smiles and laughter you shared. Cant wait to visit that special tree and see you again!
Jen
07/11/2018
I never knew your little boy or your family, but seeing a post on FB & reading the obit simply broke my heart. Parents shouldn't have to bury their children... But sometimes life & nature has other plans. I am deeply and truly sorry for your loss and I hope you can find some comfort in knowing your sweet boy isn't hurting anymore.
John and Kay Grafoville
07/10/2018
Our deepest sympathies to you all! Im Harper Stribes aunt ! We feel so sad that little Garrett had to go through all the darn treatment to only lose his battle! Its just
not fair! We will continue to pray that God gives you strength during this time and the coming years!!!!
Virgie Deiber Henningsen
07/10/2018
Words can't express my feelings of love and courage this little man shared with the world. He was always in our prayers for him and his family, rest in peace Dr. Underpants and know we will meet again in heaven. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Linda & Kelly Florke & family
07/10/2018
To Emilie & Ryan,
Our deepest sympathies at this time. Although only he was only 5-years-old, Garrett was a huge inspiration to others of all ages. The obituary was a sweet, well-written insight as to who Garrett was, and after reading it, I felt like I had a true glimpse of how he enriched the lives daily of everyone around him. How blessed your family was to have this original, courageous, and special little boy in your lives.
Hugs to you all ~ you have an angel to watch over you all now.
Chinh
07/10/2018
I am Kris and Jimmy 's friend. I had gotten to know Garrett through stories, and pictures. Garrett has a very gentle face, sweet personality, and loving family. He has brought so much joys to everyone, including all the staff took care of him at the hospital when the boxer came.
He is such a champion. Wish everyone in the world is more like Garrett surely this earth will be a much much better place.
You are forever loved and missed Garrett by everyone you had touched on earth.
Chinh
Tammy Guttry
07/10/2018
Sincere and deepest condolences for the loss of your sweet boy. Words can never express the sorrow felt at a time like this. I pray that God will hold you and your family in His hands and draw you closer together through this time of loss.
Kristin
07/10/2018
I only know Garret through reading this beautiful obituary. What a sweet, creative soul.
Margaret
07/10/2018
This is beautifully done by a loving family. Your courage through Garret's battle can only be imagined by most and would fall short of the heart wrenching truth. I had heard of the tree so I found the web site for you. www.thelivingurn.com
Rehgan
07/10/2018
I was never given the opportunity to meet the young man! But he sure touch a ton of hearts! God Speed to you all! Fly High little Buddy!
PS. Heres how to make your tree.
Www.livingurn.com
Arlis Bahnsen
07/09/2018
There are no words to express how sorry we are for your loss. Garrett was an amazing little man - our hero. Your family is so loved.
Chastity Anderson
07/09/2018
I wish I had been lucky enough to meet this little person. What an amazing young man! There is nothing fair about a child having cancer - its cruel. To read how much spirit Garrett had really tugs at my heart. All of those that loved Mr. Underpants will be in my daily prayers. Bless you!
Larry & Patrice Fagen
07/09/2018
Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel for you and your family. There is only faith, love, hope, and prayers. Larry and I send you all of these and the deepest sympathy for your loss. "Life is eternal, and love is immortal, and death is only a horizon; and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight." ~ author unknown
Jody Wade
07/09/2018
I only know the Great Garret Underpants through the obituary. Reading the words, I felt an array of emotions from giggling to heartache. Such a wonderfully creative obituary! My sincere condolences to the entire family during this time of loss. Prayers for courage and strength and comfort!