Gerald Flynn was born on a dairy farm in Racine County, Wisconsin on October 7, 1910. He attended the rural Hood Grade School and later St. Catherine's High School. Flynn then attended Marquette University and Marquette Law School, earning his LL.B. in 1933. During his college summers, Flynn worked at the Modine Manufacturing Company and later did sales work. Beginning in the fall of 1933, Flynn practiced law in Racine with Kenneth Greenquist, who served as State Senator from Racine County from 1939 to 1943.
Flynn began his political career in 1940 when he served on the Democratic State Central Committee. He also served as Democratic county chairman and secretary. In 1948 Flynn was elected from the First Congressional District as a Truman delegate to the Democratic national convention in Philadelphia. In 1950 Flynn was elected to the State Senate from the 21st Senatorial District and served until 1954. During that time he was a member of the Judiciary and Motor Vehicle Insurance committees. The Senate's poor salary ($200/month) discouraged Flynn from seeking reelection, and so he returned to his law practice. In 1956 Flynn ran for the First District Congressional seat, but he failed to unseat Republican incumbent Lawrence H. Smith. Two years later Flynn defeated Smith's wife, Eleanor, and was elected to the 86th Congress on November 4. In Washington, Flynn served on the Merchant Marine and Fisheries and Veterans' Affairs committees. Flynn was defeated in his bid for reelection to the House in 1960 and again in 1962.
In addition to his political career, Flynn has participated in civic affairs. He was elected exalted ruler of Racine Elks Lodge Number 252 and has served on the Junior Chamber of Commerce. Flynn married Mary McAvoy on August 3, 1938. They have four children, Luke, Dennis, Ellen (Kozich), and Agnes (Knodel).
