Okoboji, Iowa — The tight‑knit lakeside community of Okoboji is in deep sorrow after the sudden passing of Leo “Butch” Parks, a cherished local entrepreneur whose life was bound to the water and culture of the Iowa Great Lakes. Parks, a familiar face at East Lake Okoboji and the driving force behind Parks Marina, died Wednesday, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy that touched generations of residents and visitors.
Parks was not just a business owner; to many he was a mentor, a friend, and a builder of memories. Together with his wife, Debbie, he laid the foundation for Parks Marina in 1983 when he bought what was then a modest fishing‑boat shop. Over four decades, that humble beginning blossomed into one of the region’s most respected marine operations, shaping year‑after‑year summers full of boating, laughter, and community gatherings.
In the eyes of many who knew him, Parks had a knack for turning the ordinary into the unforgettable. The marina became more than a place to dock boats or buy gear — it became a place where friends and families formed lifelong traditions. His influence extended beyond the docks, helping redefine Okoboji’s culture with destinations like the Barefoot Bar on East Lake, a spot where boaters could pull up, unwind, and make joyful memories in the sunshine.
Former employees often remember Parks as a tough but caring mentor. People who worked for him say he pushed them to excel, taught them the value of hard work, and always encouraged them to leave every space better than they found it. His jokes and phrases about work and life are still quoted around town, echoing in conversations long after his lessons were first learned.
Friends spoke of Parks as someone who lived fully and generously. He knew most customers by name, greeted newcomers with genuine warmth, and carried a contagious energy that made people feel seen. His commitment to the lakes — and the people who cherish them — turned his business into a beloved community hub spanning generations.
News of his death spread quickly, and tributes arrived from across Iowa and beyond. People shared stories of summer days on the water, long nights at the Barefoot Bar, and the countless ways Parks helped shape individual lives and the broader identity of the Great Lakes region. His impact, supporters say, will be felt for many years to come.
While details about memorial services have not yet been widely shared, the community is already planning ways to honor a man who gave so much to the place he loved. For now, Okoboji pauses to remember a local legend whose spirit was as enduring as the water he loved.
Parks is survived by his wife Debbie and their family, and by a community that will always remember him as a steward of the lake, a mentor to many, and a friend to all.