Michael Ryan Ethier

Michael Ethier was born in Covina, CA on September 15, 1976, to Thomas Ethier and Daylene Tarter. Michael loved baseball and played throughout his middle and high school years earning several mentions in his hometown newspaper. He graduated from Tracy High in 1994 and would go on to join the Army.

Secondary to his love and dedication to his daughters, Ashley and Savannah, Michael spent his life committed to serving the United States of America. For over 20 years, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Michael Ethier served our nation honorably, having been awarded two Bronze Star Medals, the Defense Meritorious Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal and five Army Commendation Medals, among others. He was also a recipient of the Knowlton Award for his demonstrated excellence in intelligence, superb professional competence and superior support to the Military Intelligence Corps.

Over his career, he served in numerous counterintelligence positions, ranging from tactical to strategic levels. CW3 Ethier was deployed three times in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM where his innovative initiatives and concepts transformed the way the Army conducts tactical counterintelligence operations today. Following his retirement from the Army in 2016 he continued to support counterintelligence operations as an Army civilian employee until his full retirement in January 2023. During his esteemed career, Michael permanently elevated the profession of counterintelligence, significantly contributed to the next generation of passionate practitioners and leaders and saved the lives of countless troops in war zones.

Michael was known and respected by his colleagues as a selfless leader who always placed the needs of his family, soldiers and fellow warrant officers before himself. His love for his country and fellow soldiers made it easy for him to personally and professionally enrich the lives of those around him. Michael’s infectious leadership style and legacy of excellence lives on through the hundreds of officers, soldiers and Army civilians he dedicated his life to teaching, advising and mentoring.

Besides spending time with family and friends, Michael had a passion for building and creating the perfect outdoor space at his home. You could find him in his backyard often working on projects while watching his beloved Kansas City Royals. Michael had a wonderful sense of humor and touched many lives with his incredible generosity. He will be missed tremendously.

Michael is survived by his daughters Ashley and Savannah Ethier; parents William & Daylene Powers; siblings Michelle Ethier, Elizabeth (Zach) Herman, William Powers and Dale Powers.  Additionally, he has three nephews, a niece, numerous aunts and uncles and so many friends that Michael thought of as family. Michael is predeceased by his father, Thomas Ethier and grandparents, George and Patricia Ethier and Dale and Betty Tarter.

A funeral service will be held Monday, December 11, 2023 at 12:45 p.m. at Ernst Funeral Home, Waukee.  Interment, with military honors, to follow at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, Iowa. There will be a celebration of life following the interment at the Veterans Reception Center in Van Meter, Iowa.