OELWEIN – Although the late Walt Saur was a familiar and much loved figure in Oelwein, his influence and sterling reputation was widespread.

Governor Terry Branstad called Saur a “great American” who “cared about doing the right thing and doing it well.” He said Saur’s serving on the Iowa Board of Parole for more than 20 years was a “tough assignment” that he did with “honor and distinction.” During some of Saur’s Parole Board stint, he served as the Board’s chair and he served on the BOP longer than any other Iowan.

Although he never worked with Saur personally, Jason Carlstrom. the current Iowa Board of Parole chairman, noted that he knew from some staff members and  from a current Board member who had served with him that Saur was “thought of highly” and had a “superb” reputation.

 A spokesperson for the U.S. Air Force Academy, said Saur served as an Academy Liaison Officer for 50 years, assuming those duties as the program was just starting..

Liaison officers, he explained,are the “backbone of the Academy” who review and assist potential cadets as they start their Air Force journey.They are particularly important in rural areas where it would be difficult for Academy staff to meet personally with potential applicants. Saur reportedly helped more than 100 Northeast Iowa young people to become Academy cadets.

Read more of this story in the Daily Register.