Robert La Follette Jr. attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, although he did not graduate due to health issues. He later received an honorary LL.D. degree from the same institution. La Follette Jr. began his career as his father's private secretary, gaining valuable experience in public service. He married Rachel Wilson Young in 1930, with whom he had two children. His professional background and family connections laid a foundation for his future endeavors.

Robert La Follette Jr.'s political identity is marked by an intriguing mix of personal tragedy and ideological rigidity, shaped by his close association with his father's progressive legacy. His untimely death under mysterious circumstances adds a layer of complexity to his political persona, raising questions about the pressures he faced. Despite the lack of specific policy details, his life and death reflect a deeply personal struggle that might have influenced his approach to governance, if he had pursued a political career.