He earned his bachelors degree at St. Olaf College, in Northfield, Minnesota, then graduated from the University of South Dakota School of Law with his J.D.

He was admitted to the bar in 1927 via diploma privilege and began the practice of law in Hayti, South Dakota.

He additionally served as President of the State Board of Agriculture in 1939 and 1940.

He ran for re-election to a fifth term in 1956 but lost to George McGovern.

His remains were buried at Parklawn Memorial Park in Rockville, Maryland.