Growth Partner Profile: Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home

For more than a century, Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home has cared for families in the Fargo-Moorhead community with a deep Commitment to Care—and their partnership with Hope Blooms beautifully reflects that value.  Hanson-Runsvold has offered generous financial support through event sponsorships and shared their leadership through owner, Alex Rydell’s, service on Hope Blooms’ Board of Directors.

Over the years, they have delivered more than 1,000 floral arrangements after loved ones’ funerals to Hope Blooms. These flowers provide a vital resource for Hope Blooms and each bouquet carries a legacy of love and kindness, allowing a loved one’s memory to brighten the days of others in our community.

The Hanson-Runsvold team treasures the privilege of honoring lives and sharing stories, believing—as Alex says—that “every person we care for has such a beautiful and unique story.” By helping families repurpose flowers, Hanson-Runsvold brings comfort and connection, ensuring that kindness, beauty and healing continue to bloom across our community.

Name: Alex Rydell
Title/Role at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home: Owner and Licensed Funeral Director

What’s your favorite part about your work at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home?
My favorite part of working at Hanson-Runsvold is helping our community celebrate the amazing lives of our neighbors and friends. We live in a remarkable area where every person we care for has such a beautiful and unique story, and I feel it’s a great privilege to be given the opportunity to honor those lives and help the stories be shared.

How long has Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home been serving our community?
We have been caring for families in the Fargo-Moorhead area for over 100 years, a legacy our team is proud to carry on.

How does Hope Blooms’ mission align with Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home’s values?
One of our Core Values at Hanson-Runsvold is Commitment to Care, and we aim to embody this in everything we do. Our team is passionate about our caring community service, and we love being able to help families spread joy in the midst of sorry by donating floral arrangements for repurposing at Hope Blooms.

What is special about the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo and surrounding area?
Fargo, Moorhead, and West Fargo together are such a unique community in how they work together so well for the greater good. We have some of the most genuine people I’ve ever met, and that is something we can all celebrate and be grateful for.

In what ways do you see Hope Blooms bringing value to our community?
Hope Blooms delivers more than just beautiful bouquets—they deliver comfort, encouragement and emotional support. Their work reminds people that they are not alone, that they are seen and valued. That kind of impact is immeasurable. Especially for individuals facing grief, illness or loneliness, Hope Blooms makes the community feel warmer and more connected.

From a community partner perspective, why do you believe in supporting causes like Hope Blooms?

It is a gift to be in a position where we can be of service to our community, and I believe all of us in any business are doing just that. Another piece of that gift is what I see as a commitment to our fellows to give of our time, talents, and money for the greater good of society. It is a clear choice for me and I hope others are inspired to do the same.

Why does feeling seen matter?

As we have seen, isolation is detrimental to our health, and it is far too easy for people to live a singular life without connection and meaning. The simplest of acts such as a smile to a stranger can relieve the feelings of isolation. We need to be diligent about connecting with people and making sure they feel seen. It’s the right thing to do.

What’s your favorite way to spread joy?
Music is one of my favorite ways to spread joy. I play fiddle in several groups in the area, and watching people dance and smile while listening to our music is a great privilege.

What’s your favorite flower and why?
White anemones were one of the prominent flowers at our wedding so I would say that is a favorite. I love the contrast of the black and white.