Debra Riekkoff’s involvement with the Lupus Foundation of America, Wisconsin Chapter, began in 2003 as a Walk to End Lupus Now – Milwaukee volunteer. Her niece, Jennie, was diagnosed with lupus as a child and lost her battle at the age of 27.
“Since then, Riekkoff has remained a dedicated volunteer and advocate for lupus awareness and has spread her spirit of passion and generosity to her entire family – her husband, children and even grandchildren are committed volunteers, helping to make many LFA, WI Chapter events happen,” said Dawn Thomas Semanko, chapter president and CEO.
Riekkoff, who works as a manager at Optum Insight, was elected to the LFA, WI Chapter board of directors in 2015 and now serves as board chair.
“She was instrumental in establishing and continuing to produce Tee Up Fore Lupus, an annual golf outing fundraiser that will celebrate ten years in 2025,” Semanko said. “She and her husband Rick have been holding their annual Labor Day Pig Roast fundraiser for many years. The LFA, WI Chapter staff and board of directors look to Deb for her dedicated leadership, purposeful guidance and enthusiastic passion.”
