Fredareka Johanna Christine "Reka" (Rambow) Heiden was born on Wednesday, December 22, 1880. She was the fifth child of Heinrich and Wilhelmina (Milhan) Rambow.

She married Herman John Heiden on Thursday, February 22, 1900. Her older sister, Mary Hannah Rambow married Herman's brother, William Carl Heiden.

There were two versions of a German feminine name in the family. Mrs August Heiden was Fredericka with Rika for short while Mrs Herman Heiden was Fredareka with Reka for short. Also, at times, the name was recorded as Fredericke or Rica in some records.