Russ Hanson

Moorhead, MN

August 18, 2025

Photographer Russ Hanson, who took pictures for New Century Press for many years, passed away at Lilac Homes in Moorhead on Aug. 18. His work was often featured in the The Extra newspaper and its magazine, Extraordinary Living.

Hanson, who was born in Mandan, N.D., spent his entire career behind a camera. Before moving to Moorhead in 1984, he worked for the North Dakota Highway Department as the photographer for the Travel Division, taking photos for the state’s first tourism promotions and for Horizons Magazine. He also headed the graphic arts department at Bismarck State College.

He and his wife, Nancy Edmonds Hanson, worked with Howard Binford’s Guide and an ad agency, Hetland Ltd., before establishing Hanson Photo Video Communications in 1991. In addition to his work with NCP’s publications, he worked with commercial photo clients throughout the region, as well as producing portraits and chronicling weddings and events in images and video. The Hansons also produced church directories for some 100 congregations throughout the region.

Russ was a longtime member of the Moorhead Rotary Club and Moorhead Police Volunteers. He served on the city charter commission and was a member of the board of directors of the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County. He was also a past president of Professional Photographers of North Dakota and the Northern Light Region of Professional Photographers of America.

Hanson’s funeral will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, at Grace United Methodist Church, 1120 17th St S, Moorhead. Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.