Gladys was born June 12, 1930, on a farm north of Dodge in Cuming County to Robert and Katherine (Peitzmeier) Doernemann. From 1950 until 1955, she worked at St. Francis Hospital   as an aide.  On August 24, 1955, Gladys married Leonard Kreikemeier at St. Mary's Catholic Church in West Point.  The couple farmed and raised their family west of West Point, where Gladys was as capable a farm hand as she was a conservative homemaker. Her 15 years of dedicated employment at Wimmers began in 1971, then in 1983, she and Leonard settled into a home in West Point for their retirement.  Gladys enjoyed a lively game of Pitch and winning at Bingo, but was often found quietly, playing a game of solitaire.

Gladys was a member St. Mary's Catholic Church, Guild and Christian Mothers.