Rodney Scheel was the founder and owner of the bar "Rod's", in Madison, which was to become a gay icon and legend among gay men. Located in the lower level (basement) of the Hotel Washington just west of downtown Madison (which Rodney owned with his brother Greg), and with a decidely leather/levi ambiance, the bar became an extremely popular destination for men throughtout Wisconsin and even from northern Illinois.

Rodney was a people person; he had a knack for remembering names and faces, and an uncanny way of enjoying his businesses while managing a diverse group of people and committing so very much to them- their personal problems and the details of their lives- in ways that are known, now, only to them. Relaxing, working, playing and sparring with him was always "eyeball-to-eyeball", straight from the shoulder, with a broad smile which always allowed some "monkey-business". Although Rod was nearly without peer as an acute businessman and manager- in charge in a positive way- he was much a team player. He always knew when and how to listen.

"Family" events for Rodney were shared with the folks, his beloved parents, with Warren, Sherry and Greg and with his extended family. The Hotel Christmas Party, the annual employee picnic, trips to Chicago, Milwaukee, Saugatuck, California, Hawaii- always in the company of friends- were treasured opportunities for sharing with those who remained at home, keeping the Hotel in full-operating-order. Indeed, over the years, hundreds of young persons, both Gay and straight, had the opportunity to learn the food-and-beverage "ropes" from Rod.

And they learned from a pro. At the age of 21, in December, 1972, Rodney opened the first exclusively Gay bar in Madison's history. The Back Door, Ltd. went through its share of experimental phases- bar, restaurant, piano bar, dance club, and home-away-from-home for many of the newly-liberated Gay men and Lesbians and their friends of that era. Rod's commitment was a preview of the many gifts and opportunites he provided in later years.

But in the 1980's, the AIDS epidemic took hold, and Rodney was an early victim. Rodney died after a long and drawn out battle, having not set foot in his bar or succcessful hotel complex for almost a year.He was survived by his partner of over 20 years, Dr. Warren Olson, by his paretns Jo and Doe Scheel, his sister Sherry Nelson, his brother Greg Scheel, and three nephews and a niece.

A private internment service for Rodney was held on Sunday, July 15, 1990. On Saturday, July 21, hundreds of Rodney's friends from Madison and all over the country jammed Madison's Luther Memorial Church for a memorial service. Afterward, friends gathered as they always had, at the Hotel Washington to toast their friend and comrade on his way. Contributiions in Rodney's name were encouraged to be made to the Rodney Scheel House for PWAs (Persons with AIDS).

The City of Madison is indebted to Rodney for his foresight in the rebuilding and reintegration of the "old" Hotel Washington. He was a trendsetter and a leader, and at his death Madison honored him with orchids, awards and allegience. Rod was a model citizen, and his commitment to Madison as an openly Gay businessman provided countless others with a model for themselves.

Of all Rod's accomplishments, he might have counted his dedication to the Gay and Lesbian community among the most important. Rodney opened the doors- and closets; the MAGIC Picnic was born of his initiatives and his continued support during two decades. His sense of pride for the Gay community and his willingness to display it up front, where it counted most- these were his legacy.