Jerry was born and raised in Southwest Wisconsin. His family moved to Lomira during his high school years and later to Madison where he graduated from Madison West High School. He attended Minnesota Bible College in Rochester, Mn and later finished his college education at the UW Graduate School of Banking. Jerry currently resides in Fond du lac with his wife, Luanne (Bohlman) O'Connor after each lost their spouse. Together they have five children and four grandchildren.

Prior to being elected to the State Assembly, Jerry worked at NBW Bank for 20 years in Waupun, serving as Board Chair, President and CEO. He spent his entire career working in the financial services industry. In his various roles, he worked with homeowners, farmers, and small and large businesses, always with the goal of helping to make a difference in his local communities. Over the years Jerry held licenses as an insurance agent, a real estate broker, and as a real estate developer with one of his six brothers.

Jerry is currently serving as Board Chair for the "Charis Pregnancy and Family Help Center" in FDL; Board Treasurer of the "e-Center for Hope and Vision" (national organization); and is a member of the Fond du Lac Rotary Club.

Other organizations and positions held include- Past Co-Chair of Wisconsin Bankers Assn Board; Past-Chair of Community Bankers of Wisconsin Board; numerous industry committees, Past- Board Member of Fond du Lac County Capital Markets Board; Member of Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corp. Board; Past Treasurer of Waupun Economic Development Board; Past Chair of Waupun Christmas Club; Past-Chair of Waupun Rotary Club; Past FDL County 4-H Horse Project Advisor; Past-Church Leadership roles Jerry brought his knowledge of banking and leadership skills to the legislature in an effort to improve the outcome of all Wisconsin residents.