Born in Bavaria, Joseph Schrembs came to the United States to study for the priesthood. In 1889, he was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Grand Rapids, Michigan. In January 1911, he was named an auxiliary bishop there. That August he was named first Bishop of Toledo, Ohio. In 1921 he became Bishop of Cleveland, and Archbishop in 1939. He was instrumental in organizing both the National Council of Catholic Men and the National Council of Catholic Women.