In Memoriam

Lisa Moltzen

As we the Regency Family mourn the loss of Lisa, we wanted to provide all of you an opportunity to share your condolences and stories about Lisa.

Lisa joined the Regency family in 2009 as the Director of Sales for the Radisson Hotel in Bismarck. She later left and rejoined our team in 2014 as Regional Director of Sales, supporting, mentoring, and sharing her expertise with many of our hotels and sales teams. Lisa will be missed by all who met and had a chance to work with her, she always shared her positive attitude.

 If you’re a prayerful person, please consider including her husband Russ, her daughter Amanda, her mom Linda Hixon, and her dad Bill Hixon in your prayers. 

A full obituary will be shared when it is available.

I have to say, the smile says everything a person needs to know about Lisa. Her demeanor and laugh were infectious. She lit up the room with her unwaveringly upbeat look at life. She will be missed a great deal by everyone that had the opportunity to have had her touch their lives. We'll miss everything about Lisa. I hope those of you that knew her best take some time to really introduce her to those that hadn't gotten the chance to meet her. Rest in Peace, Lisa. You were a light for many.

- Tom Biegler

Lisa and I first met in 2014. I was amazed by her energy, her smile, her kind way. It was my privilege to call her friend. Her infectious can-do attitude and love of her family was immediately apparent. Her talent was immediately evident and I couldn’t have been happier to call her a colleague. She will be sincerely and deeply missed.

- Randy Grismer, Corporate

Lisa was a kind soul; she was always cheerful and fun to work with. I will miss her and her get it done attitude. Praying for comfort for her family and friends!

- Marceia Techen

Lisa was an amazing mentor and role model, she was so kind, honest, and encouraging. She knew how to take you by the hand and show you the positive side of every situation.

- McKenzie Speck, Sioux Falls BW Ramkota

May God be with her family and give them peace. I have had a lot of sudden loss in my life, so I am aware of the pain. I find peace in the heavens and have a favorite saying that I go to.... Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones shines down to let us know they are with us. I find peace looking to the skies when I see a beautiful sunset, an awesome cloud formation shooting out beautiful sunrays, and on starry nights. Lisa is one of those people that sheds joy. Where I stress on details, facts and figures - she saw a bigger picture of future possibilities. Her light-heartedness was contagious and she shared it with everyone and we are all better for it. We were in Topeka trying to find a sales person and a general manager for the property and she made that experience nothing but better. She turned chaos into a party and I will ever remember her as being a happy, helpful and gracious person - and certainly fun to party with! God Bless you Lisa - may you be forever sipping cocktails and having fun up in heaven. You will be missed. Hugs to all.

- Laurel Schacht, Aspen Suites & Aspen Select Hotels

Lisa was always fun and always positive. She was humble when she sought answers to things she didn't know which is a trait in a leader I really respect. She was incredibly positive with her teams always focusing on what can be done not what was done wrong. She sought solutions, a fixer, and doer and was so fun to work with. She was loved by her work teams and will be greatly missed. Prayers go out to all who loved her during this difficult time.

- Angela Baldwin, Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West

What an incredible gem we lost in Lisa. She had best personality, smile and laugh. She lit up any room she walked into! I was lucky enough to have her assist our resort last year when I assumed the GM role and did not have any sales people she jumped in, and became part of our team. She made an impact on our staff in the time she spent her and they too send their condolences to the family. We are all sad to know her light has been diminished so soon. Wrapping all of you in thoughts, prayers and love during this difficult time. Wherever a beautiful soul has been there is a trail of memories.

- Shari Prause, Arrowwood Resort Alexandria

Prayers and Condolences to Lisas Family. Lisa was the type of person that no matter what time of the day or what issues you had she always listened and offered the best advice. Her laugh could change a bad day around in an instant. She was the best mentor and leader, she will be greatly missed.

- Sokhom Sok, Best Western Plus Bloomington MOA

Lisa was my partner in crime. We laughed and cried together. I'll miss her terribly and she left us way too soon. My heart hurts for her family, I know that she was the glue.

- Karin East

How do I begin... My prayers to Lisa's family, friends and RHM family. An amazing ray of light in our lives we all are better for having known and loved. Lisa was so much more than a coworker. Her family was her light, her personality was contagious. An amazing friend, my best travel buddy. Wonderful listener, with an electric sense of humor. Strong and confident, but lighthearted and not TOO serious. We both are/were professional overthinkers - maybe why we were good for each other. One of the best coworkers and friends possible. My 'work bestie' without a doubt! So many stories and memories with you - every one of them brings a smile. Man - we worked through some STUFF together didn't we?! And that night in March 2020 where we were in the airport and seriously thought the world was ending. Whatever it was, whatever the topic - I could talk, you would listen - you could talk, I would listen. Some crazy deep stuff too - that's what friends are for. Always counted the days until we would meet up again for work collaboration - it wasn't 'work' with you. We made it fun and we got it done - always. I'll miss you buddy. Still don't think this has fully set in. Really really missing you. An impossible void to fill. Goodbye for now my friend. This won't ever make sense, and I guess some things just don't. I'll be looking forward to the next time we see each other. The P.G. on ice is on me. 

- Dan Toman

I am so sorry for your loss. I had only worked with Lisa in this last year, she was a genuine lady, and never failed to be helpful, she always made time. Her smile and laughter will be missed through out the Watertown Ramkota, and I'm sure all the properties she was connected with. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of sorrow. She will be missed.

- Karen Moore, Watertown Ramkota

Lisa was one the first people I connected with when I started at ROI. She was always there to help me out when I had questions and did it with smiles and laughter. I loved working with her and will miss her greatly. My deepest condolences to her family and friends.

- Melanie Robinson, ROI Hospitality 

I had the pleasure of working with Lisa for the last 4 years and she became a great friend in that time. She was a wonderful mentor and always helpful. I will miss her laugh, stories and positivity. She truly loved her job and the people so much! Condolences for both her personal and work family in this sad time. The void is great without her in this world.

- Barb Ferman

First, I want to offer my prayers and condolences to Lisa’s family. Lisa has been such a joy to work with over these many years. Her smile, spunk, and wonderful sense of humor always left me feeling happy and upbeat. Many times, Lisa would be driving on Mondays during our weekly calls, and she would call in from the car. She would give us travel updates and have us all laughing. This also showed her commitment to the teams…she had every reason not to make the calls but did, and I know this inspired others. That’s the kind of leader and person Lisa was. There is a huge hole in all our hearts will the loss of our wonderful Lisa. God Bless you, Lisa.

- Bob Anderson, Star Performance Inc.

Message / Story Russ and Amanda, all of your family, my deepest heartfelt sympathy to you all. Lisa was a delight! She brought an incredible work ethic and led by example for our teams, and she did it well, she brought kindness and joy to her work. Her laugh was infectious, you just couldn't have a crummy day working with Lisa. We know travel in our work is stressful on a family, she always talked about you Russ, and Amanda, her family, and her beloved dogs! She loved your family trips so much. There will be no replacing Lisa, we will all work hard to honor her memory by doing what she expected of us, with joy. Respectfully, Jan.

- Jan Grunewaldt, Corporate

Lisa was the first person from Regency that I was introduced to, on our initial conversation we immediately connected and talked for well over an hour about sales, hospitality, our passion for the industry and how we both got started working in hotels. Lisa always brought excitement and positivity to the table, even in stressful moments and demanding work situations. My fondest moment of Lisa is from earlier this summer on one of her visits to Sioux Falls. We walked next door to Coffea and had a heart to heart -sharing all that was going on with our work and personal lives and I got to see a side of her that had previously been more guarded. I walked away from that conversation feeling like I had made a new friend in addition to her being my colleague and regional. We had planned to connect upon her return from vacation and like so many others, I am shocked and saddened by her sudden loss. My condolences and prayers go out to Lisa, her family and friends that knew her best as her absence will be felt for a long time. I truly enjoyed working with Lisa and we will all miss her presence.

- Nathan Kasselder, ClubHouse Sioux Falls

I only had the pleasure of knowing Lisa for a short time, but in that time I was able to learn how much of a light she was. She brought so much energy, laughter, and joy into any room she walked into. Lisa was my mentor and she showed so much grace and understanding during the time I got to share with her. I had the honor of going on a few sales calls with Lisa, and at first I was nervous, but she made it so much fun and calmed every nerve I had- she had a gift in that sense. She will be missed, but her memory will live on forever. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

- Jessilyn Hudson, Grand Hotel Minot 

Sending a note to Lisa's family to share that you remain in our prayers. Lisa was a wonderful leader, mentor and friend. Always positive and encouraging. My heart goes out to you.

- Joel Larson, Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West

I only met Lisa a few times but she was always positive and caring in her attitude . I believe she loved her work and was a light to others around her. My condolences to her family, she will be missed by many but a life well lived!

- Chris Crowell, HGI Mankato

Soooo sorry for your loss...I truly know how difficult and hard to absorb this time is...I couldn't make it to the services, but I began praying for her journey the day she left us. The day of her funeral I had a glass of wine with ice and toasted her for her humanity, laugh and love for life and her family...I lost my son and he "tingles" me when I know he hears me and that day when I raised my glass she let me know...prayers for healing to all❤

- Michelle Harstad, BW Ramkota Hotel Sioux Falls

I only knew Lisa for a short time, but was always impressed with her positivity, patience, and true mentorship. She will be missed by many. My deepest condolences to her family and friends.

- Kelly Rogers, Best Western Ramkota Rapid City

A truly bright and beautiful light has been extinguished, way before it should have been, but in my heart I don't think there is one person who had met Lisa who was not somehow changed by her love for life, her forever smile, her positive attitude and her determination. Lisa was a rock star and was always ready to help her properties and our company succeed. The 'windshield time' strategy sessions were always welcomed and inevitably some great ideas were put into play for our property. Lisa was always a great supporter, our biggest cheerleader and a great teacher. We have celebrated success and a few times had to rethink our ideas, but there was always another new promotion or idea for one that did not work quite as we had hoped. Even though Lisa was not on our property day to day, she was continually working for our team. She could even teach old dogs new tricks - #letsdothis Lisa loved her work and her work family, but she loved you - Russ and Amanda and her extended family more. We loved hearing stories about you, the next adventure or the great stories of the huge family gatherings with endless food and laughter. She was always eager to get home after a whirlwind week on the road. Our thoughts and prayers will continue for you and your entire family. Never forget how much she loved all of you and continue to share the memories. We will miss you dear friend, until we meet again.

- Deb Stanley, Ramkota Hotel - Watertown

Lisa gave the best hugs. She had been working with our property as our Regional since before we opened the doors and was always ready and happy to help wherever she could and was always available for a phone call. She had the best stories and, as many have said, her smile and laugh were completely infectious. Her visits were looked forward to and you could always count on her to make them productive as well as a good time. PG on ice was a must over at Porter Creek : ) We will miss her greatly and lots of love and prayers to Russ, Amanda, and the rest of her family.

- Clare Hughes, ClubHouse Hotel & Suites - Fargo

Lisa & I had only just met this year as I just took over as GM at our property. My first meeting with her in Alexandria was short but I knew the minute we started chatting, she was my kind of person. Her Laugh was contagious, she seemed so driven & caring. Our 2nd meeting was her coming to our Brainerd property to help "regroup" and fine tune our sales department. They couldn't have sent a better woman for the job! She was blunt but kind, was always only a text or call away for answers, & in the short time we spent together, she truly made an impact on helping pave my beginning path to growing in my new position. For that I will be forever grateful. Rest Easy my friend, we have a tree coming to plant in your memory at our location, so you will always have a place in our Brainerd Family.

- Samantha Cluever, Arrowwood Lodge at Brainerd Lakes 

Lisa was a beautiful soul that brightened the room - her positive energy was contagious. I am so grateful to have had her as our Regional! She was lighthearted and inspired me to live my best life every day. She was always eager to help and just a phone call away. I shared my passion for travel with her and I loved hearing about her next great adventure. A memory that brings a smile to my face was during our training in Bismarck. We enjoyed a team dinner at the Toasted Frog, and both of us were trudging through the ice and snow, holding each other up arm-in-arm while Lisa was the classy gal in her high-heeled boots! If we were going down, we were going together! We are truly blessed to have such an incredible person in our lives, and she will be deeply missed but never forgotten by her ClubHouse and Regency family. Sending love and prayers to her family.

- Sara Bond, ClubHouse Hotel & Suites, Fargo

Of course Lisa's work was great, she was always so upbeat, however what i remember the most is her laugh and smile, and - what a fun person! She definitely will be missed.

- Lisa Spriggs, Shawnee Lodge

To everyone who shared their thoughtful memories of Lisa- Our family was looking up addresses and just happened to stumble across this page. This was such a wonderful surprise to find during such a somber time. We deeply appreciate the kind words and wonderful memories you all have shared. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Lisa sister, Jenny Mathews, and the rest of the family

- Jenny Hixson Mathews

To Russ, Amanda, and all family.  Writing these words has taken me quite some time, I didn’t know where to start. I cannot express my deepest sympathy enough for you being without Lisa in your life. Russ, your devoted wife, and Amanda, your mom, loved you more than life itself.  Please accept and know I send my heartfelt condolences to you. Lisa was so special to me, professionally, but more so personally.  I couldn’t wait to see her bop in while saying hello to all our office staff as she walked back to my office.  I could hear her coming; we greeted each other with a hug. We talked on the phone a couple of times a day and most often on our way home from work.  We talked about work and laughed a lot about life in general. Her love for you, her family, and her complete passion, determination, and dedication to hard work helped make our company better; she made a positive difference in every way.  She made others’ lives better.  Her excitement and enthusiasm for life and meeting new people, making them smile with her own beautiful smile and cheer, was like no other person I’ve met.  Russ, thank you for allowing Lisa to travel for work.  She set the bar high for others to always do their best and overcome all obstacles with great ideas and an ‘I can do it’ attitude.  I almost always knew what she was meal prepping for your dinners during the weeks she was traveling.  Lisa was a beautiful person, inside and out.  She embodied a life-work balance; not everyone can do that; she could and did. I miss her terribly and always will remember her in my own special way.  I’m still in shock but work hard because she would want me to.  I have the photo on my shelf near me of Lisa with you and Amanda beside her in Yellowstone. I know that no words can describe your grief.  Please always remember Lisa was admired, respected,  adored, and so loved by me, by us. She lived life as if it was her last day, a testament to the cheerful and positive attitude she always exuded. Please feel my heartfelt thoughts and prayers as you continue living and remembering how she loved you. I send you, my prayers.

- Gloriann Kueter, Corporate