MONROE — Friends, family and area residents are still mourning the sudden passing of David Koning, a beef producer, auctioneer and civic leader who was killed in two-vehicle crash on Thursday, Oct. 19 in Iowa County.

Koning, 74, was headed north from County Y between Dodgeville and Ridgeway when a semi traveling on U.S. 18/151 struck his car. The semi was operated by a Missouri driver. Koning was the only person in his vehicle, and he was found dead by emergency crews.

The crash remains under investigation by the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office and the county coroner’s office.  

His obituary appears on page A2 of this edition.

Koning’s son, Matt, posted about his father’s passing on social media recently.

“I ask for your patience and understanding as we deal with the inevitable part of life,” said Matt.

The Green County Beef Producers and all those affiliated with the ag organization so close to Koning’s heart, are feeling the loss significantly.

“Our hearts are heavy as we lost one of our own members,” said a GCBP Facebook post shortly after the tragic news went out. “Dave will be deeply missed by all. He was very active in our beef family, locally and at state.”

As the news made its way around town and on social media, many commented on the sudden loss. Said one commenter: “I have many fond memories of your family, and your dad was always there.” Another said simply: “He was a great man.”

Still others say he touched their lives, if only briefly. “I only met your dad a couple of times but he left an incredible impression.”

Koning, who was born in Illinois, was a longtime auctioneer of Koning Auction Service and co-owner of Koning Maple Lane Event Center in Monroe. He and his wife built Koning Maple Lane Event Center, located just on the outskirts of Monroe at N3051 Wis. 81, to 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 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 decided to build the event center on their own property.

“We decided we weren’t ready to slow down,” Rena told the Monroe Times at the time. “In order to continue catering, I needed a licensed kitchen.”

The new facility broke ground 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 couple has also been helping to coordinate The Great Steak Out event since it started in 1982. It began as a gathering meant to thank those who supported the industry and took place at Equity Livestock just outside of Monroe.

The crash that took his life was the second crash at the intersection that very day, according to according to the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office. Lieutenant Mitch Schauff said the first crash happened around noon. 

In addition to his wife, Koning is survived by numerous children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.