Ron Marlenee


Ronald Charles Marlenee was a Republican politician who served in the United States House of Representatives from the U.S. state of Montana from January 3, 1977 to January 3, 1993. He represented.

Early life

Ron Marlenee was born in Scobey, Montana, the son of Charles and Margaret Marlenee. He was educated in the public schools of Daniels County, and attended Montana State University in Bozeman, the University of Montana in Missoula, and the Reisch School of Auctioneering in Mason City, Iowa.

Political career

Marlenee was an auctioneer, farmer and rancher. He was active in politics as a Republican, and held several party posts in Daniels County. From 1975 to 1976 he was the Second Congressional District's member of the Montana Republican Committee's executive board. In 1976 he was elected to the Ninety-fifth Congress. He was reelected seven times, and served from January 3, 1977 to January 3, 1993. Environmentalists were unhappy with Marlenee's voting record, and in 1992 he was named by Environmental Action as one of Congress' "Dirty Dozen."
After the 1990 Census, Montana's declining population resulted in reduction from two districts to one at-large district. Marlenee ran unsuccessfully against the Democratic nominee, Pat Williams, who represented the 1st district.
After leaving Congress, Marlenee resided in Bozeman with his wife Cindy and son Casey. He continued to be active in Montana politics. For many years he hosted or participated in fundraisers and other campaign events for Republican candidates. He died in Bozeman on April 26, 2020.

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