David Dale Koning, 74, of Monroe, Wisconsin, passed away on Thursday, October 19, 2023.
Dave was born in Sterling, IL on August 8, 1949, the oldest of 8 children born to Willard and Mildred (Longanecker) Koning. He helped on the family farm and enjoyed sports, especially wrestling and football. Dave graduated from Annawan High School in 1967 and was employed by Morton Buildings. He married his high school sweetheart, Rena Detwiler, on October 20, 1968 in Annawan, IL and were married for 55 years.
In 1969, Dave took advantage of an opening within Morton Buildings and relocated to southern Wisconsin. In 1974, with a young family, he graduated from Reisch Auction College and started his career in the auction industry. As a licensed auctioneer in WI and IL, Dave specialized in buying and selling farm equipment. He worked with many area auctioneers and established Koning Auction Service. As Dave and Rena’s four children became involved in 4-H, they began establishing a herd of Angus beef cattle which the family showed throughout the Midwest.
Dave had strong passions for the auction and cattle industries and became heavily involved in the WI Auctioneer’s Association, WI Cattlemen’s Association, Green County Beef Producers, Green and Dane County Fair 4-H/FFA youth auctions and the Green County Cheese auction. Dave and Rena managed the WI Cattlemen’s Steak Trailer for eleven years. Dave humbly accepted accolades for his leadership and volunteer service fostering the success of 4-H and FFA youth. He was an example of hard work and was the first individual to be awarded both the WI Auctioneers Association titles of Ringman of the Year (2007) and WI State Champion Auctioneer (2014). Through these honors Dave was invited to auctioneer at the WI State Fair FFA Foundation Cheese and Cured Meat Products Auctions. In 2022, he was awarded the WI State Fair Governor’s Blue Ribbon Livestock Association’s Friend of the Fair award.
Dave believed in the “conception to consumption” model of breeding, raising and serving high quality beef products to consumers which led him and Rena on several entrepreneurial adventures including Koning Meats and Deli and Koning Maple Lane Event Center. Dave’s dream for Koning Maple Lane Event Center was to provide a gathering space for families and community members to build friendships.
Family was very important to Dave. He especially loved the role of Grandpa and Great Grandpa. He proudly supported his four children and eleven grandchildren by attending their activities and encouraging them to “give 110%” to anything they do.
Dave will always be remembered for his powerful voice from the auction block, his support from the bleachers, his passion for auctions, his never-ending stories, and most of all, his love and pride for his continually growing family.
Survivors include his wife, Rena; children, Matt (Sue) Koning of Amboy, IL, Kris (Curt) Sticha of New Prague, MN, Robin (Matt) Cowden of Mt. Horeb, WI, and Brad (Becky) Koning of Madison, WI; grandchildren, Lea (William) Henert, Cassidy (Kolton) Myrvold, Lane Koning, Erin (Jerod) Novak, Sam Sticha, Sydney, Lydia, and Meredith Cowden, Gillian, Justice and Bentley Koning; great-grandchildren, Wilson and Roy Henert, Brantley Myrvold; siblings, Steve (Judy) Koning, Mark (Karen) Koning, Jim (Mary Ann) Koning, Danny (Lisa) Koning, Kathy (Trey) Barker, and Kevin (Monica) Koning; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Mildred Koning; brother, Joe (Cheri) Koning.
A Celebration of David’s Life will be held from 1-6pm on Sunday, October 29th at the Koning Maple Lane Event Center, N3051 Hwy 81, Monroe, WI. A program and time for remembrance will begin at 3pm, including a brief benefit auction of items to support area youth organizations in his honor. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Rena Koning.
A private funeral and burial will be held on Monday, October 30th. Shriner-Hager-Gohlke Funeral Home is assisting the family.
