Okoboji, IA (Northwestiowanow.com) — A well-known Okoboji businessman passed away after a lengthy illness Tuesday. Leo “Butch” Parks was 81.
During the farm depression of the 1980s Parks decided there was a better way to make a living and purchased Gibson Sporting Goods in 1983, rebranding it Parks Marina. He said in the early going he mortgaged his home each year to buy inventory to sell.
The enterprise then saw rapid growth in the 90s and early 21st century when the popular Barefoot Bar was added at the flagship East Lake Okoboji facility, and Parks purchased Okoboji Boatworks – hoping to replicate the business on West Okoboji – and also long-time tourist staples The Central Emporium and O’Farrell Sisters restaurant.
Many of the additional properties were sold off last year.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 16th, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church (1005 Hill Ave, Spirit Lake, IA 51360). A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 16th, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the same location. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, January 16th, 2026, at 5:00 PM at 24457 178th St, Okoboji, IA 51355.
Memorials in memory of Butch can be given to the Butch Parks Scholarship Fund through the Spirit Lake School Foundation, PO Box 46 Spirit Lake, IA 51360.
