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Tackes get visit, long- distance wave from traveling grandson

Staff photo by Clay Schuldt Neil Birkholtz (left) and Xingwei Ao (right) wave to William and Mae Tacke from the end of the Tacke’s driveway. The two (facing front, below) didn’t want to get closer in deference to the coronavirus outbreak.
Staff photo by Clay Schuldt Neil Birkholtz (left) and Xingwei Ao (right) wave to William and Mae Tacke from the end of the Tacke’s driveway. The two (facing front, below) didn’t want to get closer in deference to the coronavirus outbreak.

NEW ULM — New Ulm residents William and Mae Tacke received a visit from their grandson Neil Birkholtz, Friday. Unfortunately due to safety concerns over COVID-19, Birkholtz was forced to keep his distance.

Birkholtz has been living overseas in southeast Asia doing missionary work. He recently returned to the United States on extended leave to visit friends and family. He wanted to see his grandparents, but due to their age, he decided to use caution.

Birkholtz was joined by his friend and college friend Xingwei Ao who is interning at St. Paul’s Luthern School. The two greeted William and Mae from the end of the driveway.

Birkholtz said he was excited for this chance to see everyone, but COVID-19 has limited contact. He is hopeful to have a chance to see his grandparents again in August to celebrate his grandfather’s 90th birthday.

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