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
Tammi F.
05/17/2019
I wish I knew the Great Garrett Underpants. I read his story and obituary in the Readers Digest. Wow! What a Brave and amazing sweet little boy. He truly is a super hero. Fly high with the angels little Batman. God Bless you Mr. and Mrs. Matthias cherish your memories forever and I hope he becomes his tree.
Jason
02/12/2019
I never met The Great Garrett Underpants. But I wish that I'd had the chance. Truly an amazing soul on a glorious journey. Peace.
Ann
02/11/2019
I've never met Garret or your family but I'd like to express my condolences to you. Sorry for your loss. What an amazing little angel! A true superhero! May your memories bring you comfort.
Christelle Witangila
11/08/2018
I am very sorry for your loss. I can't Imagine what its like for a Mother to loss her precious son. while reading this, My eyes was filled with tears. I hope the family doesn't give up hope; for our Heavenly Father has promised us that "He will end death forever." I Can't wait for the time when you will be able to see your precious son Garrett Michael again. I hope the Family of Garrett to keep hoping for the time to see him again.
sean
10/13/2018
That was a beautiful obituary written by a beautiful human being. So sorry for your loss.
Mr. Connor
09/19/2018
Oh man! where do i begin. Dear family of Garrett "Gorilla Underpants"
Michael Matthias. Thank you for sharing his thoughts with us. I don't know how many times i fought back tears and paused as i said "he is 5 years old He is writing his own obituary at 5 years old." i can only imagine what it was like for you to look at him during his fight and see in his eyes how he was most likey feeling sad for you "*as in, don't cry mommy, daddy" anyway I am sooooooooooooooooooooooooo sorry that you guys have to deal with such a horrific tragedy!I hope that the promises found in the Bible is of GREAT comfort to you. The book of Revelations 21:3,4 says"..And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and DEATH will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor PAIN be ANYMORE. The Former things have passed away."The Bible is the only Book that has such and impact on people's live in that it can give US, YOU REAL HOPE during times of distress. let Gods word be as stated in PSALMS 119:105 a light to your path. Jehovah God is the hear of prayers says PSALM 65:2 so pour out your heart to him. Even when you can't find the words to speak Jehovah understands and he never ever gets tired of wiping your tears so never hold back. I hope during the resurrection i get the opportunity to meet Garrett in perfect health on a paradise Earth. I am sorry to have met you under such circumstances however I pray your Family continues to live, laugh and love as well as draw closer to God and the one whom he sent forth Jesus Christ as that is GOD'S hope for you and your sons. i assume. Connor
Kim barthel
08/09/2018
Hi Im so sorry about your amazing sons passing I read this and I wanted to tell you about Bio urns this is how your son can become a tree Im going to do it when I pass look up there website I sent them your info awhile ago Im not sure if anything transpired its an amazing company I have no affiliation with them just wanted to help you god bless you and you beautiful boy may he Rest In Eternal Peace I hope as a tree
Nicholas Avraam
07/31/2018
What a little gangsta! Well done kid you went out more gangsta than anyone I know thats definitely got to count for something.
To the family: Suffering is something nobody wants. Peace in all its forms is a blessing.
Nicola barker
07/25/2018
Hi,
I read a news article about your beautiful boy and am so sorry for your loss. I wanted to tell you about a company called capsula mundi who make burial pods for both bodies and ashes which are planted along with a seed or tree. Their idea is to replace cemetaries with forests. I just happened upon an article about this company and remembered reading that it was one of your boys wishes. X
MARY ANN SAWCZUK-SELHORST
07/23/2018
Today was the first time of heard of your son's passing. I am so sorry for your loss.
Your son sounded like a great, strong and loving boy. I hope he is at peace and a better place.
Carol A Murray
07/22/2018
Mr. Gorilla Garrett Underpants: I hope that your flight was a wonderful experience to your star and tell God that I said hello. Please accept my heart felt condolences and thank you for sharing Garrett's story and God bless you.
Lotte Stephanie & family from Denmark
07/22/2018
Dear Gorilla Garrett Underpants. May your beautiful soul rest in peace. Fly to the sky like a butterfly, and the sky will gain another beautiful star.
See you some sunny day suckar!!
Dear Mr and Mrs Matthias, your family & friends. Please receive our warm deep felt condolences, and thank you so much for sharing
Roxanne
07/22/2018
I just read your obituary. Your son sounds like he was a fighter. I'm glad that he continued to laugh and have fun through this awful ordeal. Fly high with the angels Garrett Underpants. R.I.P. free from pain. God has you in His keeping and those who love you will always have you in their hearts. Speak about him always. Share his stories. Though some of us never got to know this wonderful little man, he still touched a lot of hearts.
Mike Veltman
07/21/2018
Some are able to put a lifetime in a few years.
Thanks Garrett for making the world a better place.
And hugs and condolences for everyone else.
Arusha Topazzini
07/21/2018
dear Garrett,
i met your precious self & family today, through your obituary.
your words warmed my heart with tears, laughter & love.
what a beautiful soul you are...soon to be a beautiful tree for your gorilla-self.
in gratitude,
holding you & your family close to my heart,
a.