Ethan Michael Kouri

Ethan Michael Kouri, 36, passed away Friday, June 5, 2026, after a courageous battle with leukemia. 

Ethan was born on February 10, 1990, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Steve and Diana Kouri. He graduated from East High School in 2008 where he excelled at sports and competed at the state level in wrestling. He spent more than a decade working as an electrician with Action Electric, where he was known for his strong work ethic and dedication to his craft.

Above all else, Ethan’s life was devoted to his children, his family, and his friends. His children, Kayge and Ella, were the center of his world and the reason he fought so hard through his long and difficult battle with leukemia. Even during the hardest days, Ethan’s focus remained on making memories with them- through family trips, bike rides, fishing adventures, visits to the skate park, ballgames, and countless everyday moments that meant the most.  Being their dad was his greatest purpose and greatest joy.

He treasured every opportunity to spend time with those he loved and took particular pride in coaching his daughter’s softball team and cheering on his son in sports.  As a member of Sunshine Open Bible Church, his faith guided the way he lived and served others.  He took great joy in leading others to Christ, which he did with his whole heart until his final moments.

Throughout his journey, Ethan was blessed by an incredible team of caregivers on Powell 3, whose compassion, laughter, and unwavering support made even the darkest days more bearable.  They became more than caregivers-they became family.  The staff shared Ethan’s faith and more than once when he needed encouragement most, God used them to deliver messages of hope, comfort and strength.

Ethan brought light and laughter to every person and every place he went.  He wasn’t the life of the party-he was the party.  Those fortunate enough to know him are better because Ethan touched their lives.

He is survived by his children, Kayge and Ella Kouri; parents, Steve and Diana Kouri; siblings, Nicole Kouri and Conner (Jerzie) Kouri; nieces and nephews, Paxton and Paisley, Eli and Remi; paternal grandparents, Adrian (Deb) Kouri; maternal grandmother, Jeanette R. Woods; aunts and uncles, Jeorjette (Derek) Twogood and Tony (Jessica) Kouri; cousins, Giana, Rosie, Bubba, and Raegan; lifelong friends, Michael Boyd and Jake Hastings; and a host of other extended family and friends.

Ethan was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Robert Woods; and his uncle Robert W. Woods.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Grace Church, 4200 E 25th Street, Des Moines. Memorial service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 12, 2026, also at Grace Church. For those unable to attend the service in person, it will be livestreamed through a link that will be available below shortly. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Ethan Kouri Trust through Central Bank for the care of his children.