Kriechbaum spent three years in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II.

After his service he attended Baldwin Wallace College to receive his Bachelor of Music Education (BME) degree, and Case Western Reserve University, where he earned his (MA).

"[3] Kriechbaum began his teaching career in the North Olmsted City Schools, where he started the instrumental music program in 1948.

Many of the students from the North Olmsted High School bands and orchestras went to college for music and became successful teachers, composers and musicians.

It is not possible to list them all, but a few notable people include James Akins (tubist), Jack Boss,[8] Robert Chappell,[9] Steven Cseplo,[10] and Christine Haff.

[11] His former students, including non-music majors, attribute their success, in part, to his ability to inspire and achieve at the highest level.

[12] Over the years, Kriechbaum conducted week long summer workshops for teachers at Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan.

Also, he was a director at Eastern Kentucky University Summer Camp, served as a judge at both at the district and state level, and was a guest conductor at festival bands and orchestras.

[13] In 1978, Kriechbaum published a book titled "How to Design and Teach a Successful School String and Orchestra Program" that has been used by colleges to train future music teachers.