Emil A. Giese was born near New Leipzig, North Dakota, on February 9, 1908. He graduated from New Leipzig High School before enrolling at the University of North Dakota in 1926. He graduated from UND on June 7, 1932, with a Bachelor of Laws degree from the School of Law. Giese was active in a Greek social fraternity, Alpha Psi Delta, as well as several intramural sports.

He was admitted to the North Dakota Bar in 1932, and practiced law in Carson, North Dakota. He was elected the State's Attorney for Grant County in 1937. He married Cherry Johnson on August 17, 1938. The couple had two daughters: Susann and Sally.

Giese continued to practice law in Carson and serve as a State's Attorney until January 1, 1958, when he was appointed to the North Dakota Sixth District Court by Governor John Davis. He then moved to Hettinger, seat of the Sixth District. He was elected to the position in 1960, and again in 1966 and 1972. He retired from the bench in 1976, and moved to Siren, Wisconsin, to be closer to family. Giese was an active member of the Masons, as well as Lutheran churches in Carson, Hettinger, and Siren. He also served on school and town boards in Carson and Hettinger.

Emil Giese died on February 10, 1984, in Sacramento, California. He is buried in Siren, Wisconsin.