A longtime and well-known Iowa Great Lakes businessman has died.
Butch Parks, a prominent entrepreneur whose name became synonymous with lakes-area entertainment and tourism, passed away Tuesday evening at the age of 81.
Parks was the founder of Parks Marina and the iconic Barefoot Bar and Snappers. Over the years, he went on to purchase and operate several other well-known Iowa Great Lakes establishments, including Okoboji Boat Works, O’Farrell Sisters Restaurant, and the Central Emporium, which he sold in recent years.
Beyond his business ventures, Parks was widely recognized for his support of numerous community causes throughout the lakes area.
A funeral service for 81-year-old Butch Parks of Okoboji will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 16th, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. A gathering to remember Parks will be held later that day, beginning at 5:00 p.m. at Snappers in Okoboji. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite Barefoot apparel in his memory.
Turner Jenness Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
