MONROE — “Rena and I built this facility because we thought the community needed an event center this size and to provide a space that our guests can stay long, late and enjoy themselves,” Dave Koning said.

Koning Maple Lane Event Center, located just on the outskirts of Monroe at N3051 Wisconsin 81, is a place that Monroe residents Dave and Rena Koning opened at the beginning of the year. They’re hoping the new facility will fill a much-needed void in the community and provide a space for all types of gatherings. 

The well-known Monroe couple has lived in the area for 40 years, and previously owned and operated Koning Meats & Deli at the former Brennan’s in Monroe for 11 years. Rena has been catering for 15 years and Dave is an auctioneer. They have also managed the Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Steak Trailer for more than a decade.

A few months after Brennan’s closed, the couple’s wheels started turning.

“We decided we weren’t ready to slow down,” Rena said. “In order to continue catering, I needed a licensed kitchen.”

Originally looking at the Brennan’s property, they soon decided the best plan for them would be to build on their own 20-acre property. Ground for the new facility broke in September 2018. 

The one-level center is on two and a half acres of land and welcomes gatherings of all kinds. The main area offers 75 feet by 60 feet of space and ample parking. Windows adorn the event center showcasing the country property. 

The interior offers all of the warmth to bring “comforts of home.” The option for a homemade meal to be prepared on site adds to the experience.

“We wanted it to be a relaxing, quiet venue,” Rena said. “I decorated it to be very subtle — not trendy — but ‘homey.’” 

The center can host any sort of gathering or reception during any time of the day. Class and family reunions, baby and bridal showers and weddings are just a few of the obvious reasons to get together. 

A newly installed sound system with large screen and wireless microphones offer options for large meetings and presentations. 

The center of the building has room for tables and chairs. There is also sitting area with comfortable furniture, a braided rug and an antique chest turned coffee table. The bright room offers playing cards and puzzles for guests to use. 

The catering menu includes several basic home-cooked, country meals made by Rena. Entrees, sandwiches, pastas, wraps, cheese, vegetables, cookie and fruit trays, a potato bar, salads and sides and more including appetizers, breads and desserts are just a few. A breakfast menu is also available for morning meetings or brunches. One thing the couple has stayed true to is the high importance they put on quality — especially the foods and of course, high quality meat.

The outside landscaping will be finished in the spring and a pond with an island is featured on the property — a possible backdrop for an outdoor service of any kind with room for music and a crowd. There will eventually be room for a tent to host any sized reception or get together. There is plenty of room for little ones to run around. 

As several ideas swirl in the minds of the Konings, they’re looking forward to what the future will bring and the joy that will be shared on their property for those looking for a space to hold their event. They’re proud to have used many local contractors in the process of creating Koning Maple Lane Event Center. 

“We wanted the community to support us, so we wanted to support the community,” Rena said.

The options are seemingly endless when it comes to the type of gatherings that could be hosted at the event center. They even welcome quilting, crafting or paint groups.

The facility is available from small groups to over 200 with the addition of tent space and the dining area can be arranged to fit the needs of groups and guests. Rental costs depend on the specific event and its needs, Rena said.

“Communication is the utmost necessity in planning an event,” Rena said.

Dave and Rena have four children, 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. They have always been involved in the community as well as being busy with their own farm. 

“We just hope the community accepts what we’ve done and we would really like to give back to the community,” Rena said. They are open to the ideas of auctions, fundraisers and other use for the facility. 

“We are hoping to find opportunities that we didn’t know we had,” Rena said.

For more information, contact Dave and Rena Koning at 608-328-6328 and find Koning Maple Lane Event Center on Facebook.