Joseph Michael Manson

Joseph Michael Manson "Himz" Born January 5, 2010 to the parents of Dale Manson and Jessica Shappell in Monticello, MN. Joseph was called home to God April 14, 2022 at 7:30pm at his home in Andover, MN. Joseph was born with a rare metabolic disorder, Combalamine E abnormality. He was never supposed to walk, talk, or even make it past the age of 2. Despite what hospitals said, Joseph didn't give up and fought his way through 12 years of life. Against all odds he walked, talked, and did everything a "normal" child would do for his age. In 2015 Joseph was diagnosed with Neuropathy, and Epilepsy, causing him to lose feeling in his legs, making him unable to walk any longer, but he still didn't stop trying to relearn and never did he give up. He spent a lot of his time in and out of hospitals, and rehabilitation centers, but that didn't stop him from being an amazingly happy boy, whose laugh was infectious and smile lit up any room! He enjoyed playing his video games, watching Law and Order SVU on his tablet, hanging out with his family and friends, and picking on his sister Arayiah. He was full of love, and loved being the center of attention anywhere he went, but only liked to be touched or shown affection by a select few people. He had an amazing relationship with his sister Arayiah, she was his protector and he was her keeper! There wasn’t anything that Arayiah didn’t share with Joseph. She’d talk to him for hours until he fell asleep and hold his hand all night while he slept. Despite his rare disorder, he was the strongest, toughest, and most determined boy ever! He found himself being a "Hero" to many! Joseph had thousands of Tik-Tok followers to help support him through his journey! There are no words that could explain how amazing Joseph is, and how many lives he touched during his short time with us. Joseph was just Joseph and that's what he did best! He will never know how much he helped so many people by just being him!!!

He loved playing with his Dog Nakon, cracking “knock-knock” jokes, and winning thumb wresting wars against his doctors and nurses. He enjoyed going to school and learning new things.