DORIS OLDENBERG /
HOTEL GENERAL MANAGER

Aston employee treated
every guest with dignity

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By Pat Gee
pgee@starbulletin.com

Doris Oldenberg, general manager of the Waikiki Beach Tower since 1991, died Dec. 2 of cancer. She was 58.

Oldenberg's personal touch on every guest's experience was the main reason many returned to the Waikiki Beach Tower, said Gary Ettinger, Aston senior vice president of operations, who worked with her for seven years.

"She epitomized class and dignity and had a great sense of hospitality. To describe how I feel about how wonderful she was, if heaven were a hotel, it just got its fifth diamond with Doris," Ettinger said, explaining that five diamonds is the highest rating a hotel can achieve in the industry. An employee of Aston Hotel and Resorts Hawaii, Oldenberg was named its general manager of the year in 1992 and earned the prestigious industry title of Certified Hotel Administrator in 1995.

Ettinger said Oldenberg, a native of Germany, was an animal lover who cared for strays and supported the Hawaiian Humane Society. She also served as a volunteer with the Christmas in April program, a project to help the needy.

Oldenberg is survived by daughter Jennifer and two sisters. A service was held Friday at St. Augustine by the Sea Catholic Church in Waikiki. Her ashes were to be scattered today at Kaanapali beach fronting Maui Kaanapali Villas, where she served as general manager from 1983 to 1991.