Sauers Retiring from Washington Savings Bank After 35 Years

Washington Savings Bank has announced the retirement of Steve Sauers, who has served on the Board of Directors for 35 years.

Washington Saving Bank President and CEO David Doedtman announced Wednesday that Sauers will be stepping down from his seat after serving on the bank's board for 35 years.

Sauers, who owned and operated Effingham Veterinary Clinic for many years, has been at the bank through many of its changes, including the renovation of the Banker location, the construction of the new drive-thru area and the acquisition of the Effingham branch of Centrue Bank.

"Steve has been an active member of our bank's board for over three decades," said Doedtman. "His business experience and leadership were key attributes that made him an asset to our bank."

Sauers, who is originally from Dawson, Ill., graduated from the University of Illinois with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. He moved to Effingham where he owned and operated Effingham Veterinary Clinic, before his retirement. He and his wife, Diane, now live in Naples, Fla., and have three adult daughters.

The seat on the board vacated by Sauers will be filled by Blake Linders, President of Linders Limited. Linders heads the operations of the McDonald's franchises in both Effingham and Altamont. He has been an owner/operator of the franchise since 1993 and became an Effingham resident in 1997.

Doedtman, who filled the president position at the beginning of the year, will also serve on the board. Other board members include Chairman Rockey L. Weber, past Bank President Claude Hudson, Dean Samuel, Paul Koerner and Todd Kabbes.