Mass of Christian burial for Xavier Vicente Cardona, infant son of Vicente Cardona and Amanda VanRyswyk will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 20, at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of St. Theodore. The Rev. James Berning and Deacon Mike Ellis will officiate. Burial will be at St. Theodore’s Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home with a prayer service at 7.

Xavier died on Friday, Dec. 16, 2005, at his home surrounded by his family.

Xavier Vicente Cardona was born on Feb. 13, 2005, at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital. Xavier came into this world at 24 weeks and weighed 1 and a half pounds. He also had major health problems that made it necessary for him to remain in the hospital most of his life. In his short life he was loved and cherished by his parents and his extended family. He will remain in their hearts forever. We are so grateful for all of the prayers, hugs and support from family and friends. We are also truly grateful to all our angels, especially the ones at the Children’s Hospital for helping us care for and love Xavier.

Xavier is survived by his parents, siblings, Isaac, Justina and Vanessa. His maternal grandparents, Brad and Sue VanRyswyk, paternal grandparents, Rene Cardona and Tina Madrigal all of Albert Lea, great-grandparents, Raul and Maria Cardona, Willis and Barbara Hanson and Clayton and Judy Thompson and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Ernest and Anita Madrigal and Ray and Lorraine VanRyswyk.