Fr. Gits brought my fiancé into the Catholic Church and married us a few months later. Cheryl enjoyed his classes and visits.  At our wedding, knowing I had already enlisted into the Air Force, he cautioned Cheryl that she was not only marrying me, but also the "Force". As a military chaplain he knew the demands the military would put upon me but that Cheryl would also be the bearer of military life.  Nice priest and we were able to talk to him at Fr. Jim Dandelets funeral three years ago and thank him for tying our knot.  Fr. Gits admitted that after marrying so many through the years he could not remember us but thanked us for remembering him.  RIP Fr. Gits!!

Family of Father Doug,

As a young man I remember Father Doug's visits to our house on holidays.  He and our father were great friends.  He was always one of the kindest men I ever met.  You have my deepest condolences and I am sorry I couldn't make the trip to Rochester today.

Pete Plut

From one vet to another we express our deepest condolences for the passing of my friend and golf buddy, Father Gits.  May he have long drives and be able to reed the greens in heaven. I will miss you old friend 

The best substitute priest St. Francis Rochester ever had. He was glad to enjoy the Mass and not have to talk about money! After reading the obit, I am now aware what a man's man he was, and how he was indeed a friend to many....... Rest In Peace Father! God willing, we will see you again!

To the family of father Gits, my sympathy, thoughts and prayers. I was privileged to be his sacristan several times at Christ the King in Byron the past few years when he filled in for our pastor.Paul. What a wonderful priest and man, he was fun to work with, also golf with. He will be missed, as he enjoys his eternal reward.

    Karl kuhn

Father Gits was such a kind and personable man.  He was so genuine and real.  I have never meet another priest like him.  You didn't feel like you talking with a priest...but a man with some great advice.  We did our pre-marital counseling with him as a part the marriage process.  He had some great advice...maybe that is why my hubby and I are still together after 24 years.   He was our family priest - he married me and my hubby, co-officiated over my brothers wedding and performed the marriage ceremony for my cousin too.  He also looked in on my Grandma Olson who lived across the street from the church.  He loved to golf!!!  I remember joking once or twice that his homily was short today...he must have a tee time scheduled!!  We exchanged Christmas cards every year.  Every year he would write about our wedding and how he still remembered me singing to my husband at the altar. I will miss Father Gits, but I know he is in heaven looking down over all us, smiling and praying for us.     

Our sincere sympathy to the family of Fr. Gits.  He became your friend the first moment you met him. He truly earned his special place in heaven.  Rest in Peace dear friend.

I had the privilege of sharing many wonderful memories with Father Gits. We were so lucky to have him marry us, baptize our two oldest children, playing golf together and unforgettable conversations and partaking in the best masses anyone could ask for. God Bleed Padre, you will be missed very much. Rest in Peace, we love you ? ? ???

Our sympathy to Father Gits family and brother Priest.  He was a wonderful priest who always greeted you with a smile and a little chuckle . It was a pleasure to have him

as our Pastor at St Francis De Sales in Claremont.  He will be missed by many.  Rest in Peace Good and Faithful Servant.

Marvin and Alice Bronner

Sorry for your loss. This was a great man I remember enjoying the time he spent as our pastor as I was growing up. I learned so many things. He also remembered our family and would visit with us whenever we would see him.

I was blessed enough to know Father Gits from his time in Claremont, Dodge Center, and West Concord.  Although I was a child, Father Gits' humor and his faithful pastoral care have stayed with me more than 20 years later.  My soul was touched by his grace and humility.  While I mourn his passing, I rejoice in knowing that he has gone to be with our Savior in heaven.  God bless you, Father, and thank you so much for your shepherding. 

My deepest condolences to you all.  I worked for Fr. Gits from 1993-1995.  I was the youth minister/DRE.  I very much enjoyed my time working for him and the rest of the parish.  He was among the first pastors I worked for and I am grateful for his wisdom, gentleness and trust.  My own father is in his last days, thus regrettably, I am unable to attend the visitation or the funeral.  We will pray for you and Father.  May the Holy Spirit fill your hearts with peace. 

Father Gits married us at Sacred Heart in Hayfield shortly after he retired. We were blessed to have kept in touch with him over the years. He had a great sense of humor and a peaceful soul. We are so blessed to have known him and will miss him greatly.

Kevin & Beth Breault 

'Padre' was loved by all. I was fortunate enough to have golfed with him, tell jokes and laugh with him, and share the same birthday. We always laughed that he had me by 'almost' 50 years! I'll miss him. 

Prayers, -Alex

We met Father Gits at St John's in Dodge Center, MN  over 24 years ago.  He was wonderful, assisted us with annulments, and eventually a loving new life.

I have had the privilege of being the organist at St John's Baptist DeLasalle Catholic church in Dodge Center for, as of 2016, 40 yrs. It was truly a joy to work WITH Fr. Gits during his time in Dodge Center. He was such a kind and caring human being. You could talk to him with complete ease and confidence. Fr. Gits became known in my family as "Our Priest". He visited my aging mother often ,just across the street from the rectory, and gave her much comfort and spiritual peace.  He presided at her funeral, even though he was no longer the assigned here. He got special permission from the Bishop to officiate at my nephews' wedding in Eagan,Mn.  He conducted the marriage ceremony uniting my daughter to her husband nearly 24 yrs ago and then baptized their 1st born, 4 yrs later!  Fr. was REALLY a part of our family!  It is reassuring to know that he is with God, whom he served so faithfully throughout his life, and now watches over us with his never ending love! 

Rest in peace, Fr Gits !

Rhoda

Father Gits was one of kind. His sense of humor is a trait I'll remember but most of all his gentle soul and the way he cared and guided those he touched.  He married my husband and I and also baptized our son at St. Vincent de Paul parish in West Concord.  He will be missed by many.  God Bless his soul that is now with God.

I would like to express my condolences to the family and friends of Father Gits.  I grew up in Dodge Center and he was a big part of my spiritual growing years, including first communion and confirmation!  He taught everything with enthusiasm, care, integrity and humor.  I will never forget his sense of humor.  I will never forget how he made each of us feel special and was so good about really getting to know each of his parishioners...that was important!  He was a good man and it brings peace and comfort to know that he is now in heaven with our Savior celebrating the greatest life of all!  God bless you all as you lay him to rest here on earth.

To the family of Fr. Douglas Gits, my sincere sympathy.  I am the church secretary for the Triton Parishes of St. Vincent de Paul, West Concord; St. John Baptist de la Salle, Dodge Center; and St. Francis de Sales, Claremont.  Father Gits was the pastor when our Tri-Parish was formed in 1990.  He was a very good and very nice Priest.  Father was also our spiritual advisor for the Rochester Area Council of Catholic Women.  Wonderful, Wonderful man.  Father also helped our St. Vincent Cemetery get a metal arch for our entry to the Cemetery as he was from a family of blacksmith's and had good connections.  It still adorns our beautiful cemetery.  He is missed very much.

Dianne Vangness, St. Vincent de Paul Parishioner and Secretary of the Triton Parishes.  

What a gentle, kind man!  We loved him at St. Vincent's in West Concord.  He was truly a gift to people in the nursing homes....so caring.