[4] In 1923, Riekehof, with her parents and younger sister, Ruth, immigrated from Lage, North Rhine-Westphalia to Elizabeth, New Jersey.

[7] Later, Riekehof attended ASL courses at Gallaudet College,[7][2] in 1947-1948 given by Elizabeth Peet.

She interpreted for deaf students and already taught CBC sign language classes.

Her students were preparing to become missionaries, full-time ministers, and interpreters for deaf people in hearing churches.

Riekehof paved the way for interpreting to become a recognized profession by realizing the importance of proper education and training in the field.

[10] In 1970, Riekehof returned to Gallaudet College to give sign language courses to graduate students preparing for deaf education.

Then, she became the new coordinator for interpreter training for the American Sign Language programs at Gallaudet College.

[8] In addition to her many and varied responsibilities at Gallaudet College, she traveled across the globe teaching at workshops and continued providing interpreting services in the Washington D.C. area.

Riekehof also created two puzzle books with Linda Lascelle Hillebrand to provide supplemental instruction.