Wilhelm Kempf was born in Wiesbaden on August 10, 1906. After studying Catholic theology and philosophy, he was ordained a priest in Limburg Cathedral on December 8, 1932.

From 1942, he worked as a parish priest in the Church of the Holy Spirit in Frankfurt am Main before being consecrated Bishop of Limburg on July 25, 1949. He held this office until his retirement on his 75th birthday in 1981.

The Hessian state capital honored its prominent son on 27 August 1976 by awarding him honorary citizenship and making his own entry in the city's Golden Book. Lord Mayor Schmitt praised Dr. Kempf for his life's work in the service of charity.

He died in his home town on October 9, 1982.