Missing Mequon woman's body found in Milwaukee River

MEQUON -- The search for a missing Mequon woman came to a tragic end Friday night.  A neighbor found 54-year-old Candace Giles' body about ten feet from shore along the Milwaukee River near her home.



Police, friends and family had been searching for Giles since she disappeared Thursday morning. 



\"There was no appearance of foul play at the house, so it was as though she had just walked outside for a moment and was gone,\" Pastor Bob Sheldon said.  \"The waiting is over, now we at least know what to expect.\"



Pastor Sheldon worked closely with Candace at Crossroads Presbyterian Church.  He never thought seeing her two Sundays ago would be the last time.



\"She smiled, gave me a big hug and said, 'Good morning, Bob,'\" Sheldon recalled.  \"It was really special.\"



Candace was a deacon with her husband, Tom, helping young children all the way up to the elderly.



\"Candace was one of those rare people that really, truly loved everybody,\" Sheldon said.



The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office conducted an autopsy Saturday morning.  The cause of death was drowning.  Nothing points to foul play, but that hasn't been ruled out yet.

Pastor Sheldon met with Candace's two grown children and husband at their home Saturday afternoon.



\"He's really doing well,\" Sheldon said.  \"He's a great man of faith himself and has been very concerned, not only caring for his family, but caring for his church family as well.\"



Now, Sheldon says the church of 1,400 people will pour its support into the Giles family.



\"We're telling people, just love one another and pray for Tom,\" Sheldon said.



The church held a vigil for Candace Friday night.  A memorial service is planned for Tuesday evening.