When you're driving through North Iowa, past the sprawling fields and the mid-century architecture that defines the region, you eventually hit Mason City. It's a place with deep roots. And for families here, the name Hogan Bremer Moore Mason City—specifically Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel—carries a lot of weight.
Honestly, when people search for this place, they aren't just looking for an address. They're usually in the middle of the worst week of their lives. Or they’re trying to plan so their kids don’t have to deal with the mess later. There is a lot of noise online about "industry standards," but local institutions like this operate on a different frequency.
The Reality of Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel
Basically, this isn't some corporate-run, cookie-cutter funeral home owned by a massive conglomerate in Houston. It's tied into a network of "Colonial Chapels" in North Iowa, including spots in Clear Lake, Northwood, and Nora Springs.
The Mason City location at 126 Third Street Northeast is the hub.
You've probably seen the building. It doesn't look like a sterile hospital. Dave Moore, the owner, actually started working for the original founders, Chuck Hogan and Al Bremer, back when he was just a kid in high school. That's the kind of longevity you don't see much anymore. He bought the firm in 2001. That’s why the name is such a mouthful—it’s a literal history of the leadership.
Why the "Denison Room" is a Big Deal
Most people don't think about lunch when they think about a funeral home. But if you’re from the Midwest, you know that a "funeral bars" and egg salad sandwiches are a cultural requirement.
Hogan Bremer Moore Mason City has this space called the Denison Room.
It's an on-site reception and luncheon area. It sounds like a small detail, but they actually claim to be the only facility for 100 miles with a dedicated luncheon hall of this type. Why does that matter? Because moving a group of 100 grieving relatives from a chapel to a church basement or a restaurant across town is a logistical nightmare. Having it all in one spot changes the energy of the day. It makes it feel less like a series of appointments and more like a gathering.
The Services Nobody Asks About (But Should)
People usually just ask, "How much for a burial?" or "Do you do cremation?"
🔗 Read more: Why Every Job Reference Template Letter Fails Without This One Detail
But the industry has shifted. Green burials are becoming a thing in Iowa. If you're an avid nature lover, you might not want the heavy chemicals and the steel vault. This facility offers those eco-friendly options.
Then there’s the technology side.
- Video Tributes: They do the whole photo-to-video montage thing, which is standard now, but they also handle the livestreaming for family members who can't make the trek to Cerro Gordo County.
- The Sympathy Store: They’ve got a system for flowers and even "comfort meals" that can be delivered to the family's house.
- Memorial Park Cemetery: They are closely linked with the Memorial Park Cemetery on 265th Street. It’s got those rolling lawns and willow trees you see in movies.
Staff and the "Unflappable" Factor
If you read the testimonials from people like Ronda Smith or Barry Pump, one name pops up a lot: Jamie Locke. She’s a funeral director there who’s been with them since about 2008.
There’s this specific quality you need in this job. It’s a mix of being a project manager, a grief counselor, and a legal expert. When you’re dealing with death certificates and Social Security notifications, you don’t want someone "learning on the job." You want someone who’s done it a thousand times.
The staff includes people like Chloe Enright and Megan (another director who gets a lot of praise). They aren't just "employees"; they are often members of the local parishes and community boards. Dave Moore himself sits on the NIACC Board of Trustees. That local integration is why the reputation has stayed solid even as the "death care" industry gets more commercialized.
Navigating the Costs Without the Stress
Let's talk money. It's the part no one likes, but everyone worries about.
Under the FTC’s "Funeral Rule," any funeral home—including Hogan Bremer Moore Mason City—is required to give you an itemized General Price List (GPL). You don’t have to buy a "package." If you want to buy a casket from a third party (like an online wholesaler) and have it shipped to 3rd Street NE, they legally cannot charge you a fee to handle it.
A Few Practical Tips for North Iowans:
- Ask for the GPL early. Don't wait until you're in the "arrangement room" feeling pressured. You can literally call them and ask for prices over the phone.
- Cremation doesn't mean "no service." A lot of families in Mason City are opting for cremation but still holding a full visitation in the chapel with the urn present. It’s way more flexible.
- Check the Cemetery Requirements. If you're using Memorial Park or a city cemetery, they might require a "liner" or "vault." This isn't a state law, but it is a cemetery rule to keep the ground from sinking. Know that before you budget.
What's the Current State of Things?
In 2026, the process of grieving has become much more personalized. It's not just about a black suit and a somber organist anymore. People are playing rock music, displaying golf clubs, and having full-blown catered meals in the Denison Room.
The reality of Hogan Bremer Moore is that they’ve managed to bridge that gap between the old-school "funeral parlor" vibe and the modern "celebration of life" style. They are a "Selected Independent Funeral Home," which is basically an invite-only group for firms that meet certain ethical and service standards. It’s a bit of a "seal of approval" in an industry that can sometimes feel opaque.
Actionable Steps for Families
If you are currently looking into services or thinking about pre-planning, don't just wing it.
- Schedule a "Discovery" Visit: You can actually just walk in (it’s better to call first) and look at the facilities. Check out the Denison Room. See if the "vibe" feels like a second home or a basement.
- Start the Paperwork: They have a "Where to Begin" guide on their site. It lists the stuff you need immediately: Social Security number, veteran discharge papers (DD-214), and a recent photo.
- Pre-Fund vs. Pre-Plan: You can plan everything without paying a dime. This is just keeping your wishes on file. If you decide to pre-pay, make sure you understand where that money is held (usually in a trust or insurance policy regulated by the State of Iowa).
Dealing with end-of-life stuff in Mason City doesn't have to be a confusing mess of corporate jargon. Whether you're at Hogan-Bremer-Moore or another local spot, the goal is the same: getting through the logistics so you can actually focus on the person you lost.
Check your loved one's files for any existing pre-plans before you make a new appointment. Often, people have these "Colonial Chapel" folders tucked away in a desk drawer from years ago, and finding that can save you hours of guesswork.
If you're ready to start the process, your first move should be gathering the "Vital Statistics" information—full legal name, parents' names (including mother's maiden name), and occupation—as this is the baseline for the death certificate and the obituary.