(Wiota) COVID-19 didn’t stop family members, neighbors, and friends from throwing a birthday party for this rural Wiota man.
Dean Eilts turned 80 on Thursday, March 26. Under the current situation and mandates to control the coronavirus, a traditional birthday party for Dean wasn’t in the cards, so instead, he got a parade. Dean and his wife Virginia stood outside their front door on Thursday evening and watched as the long line of pickups, cars, SUVs, ATVs, and a tractor or two drive-by honking horns, waving and shouting happy birthday to their beloved friend, dad, grandpa, and uncle.
“I am overwhelmed,” said Dean Eilts as he waved and watched the parade go by his home. “I just can’t believe this—what a bunch of people. I haven’t had a party like this since I was 50 and we had a good one then 30-years ago.
“I never figured I would make it to 80 anyway,” said Eilts. “But I tell you what if the next 80 goes as good as this one, I’ll get along just fine.”
