09/24/2026
In Loving Memory of Darell Johnson
Master Carpenter, Father, Mentor, and Teacher
It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our beloved master carpenter, mentor, and teacher, Darell Johnson.
John’s journey in the construction industry began at a very young age, riding alongside his father in the big truck to the lumberyard to pick up materials. At just 8 years old, John earned his first paycheck—not in cash, but with a brand-new Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) for stapling down flooring underlayment in a home.
What started as simple trips to the lumberyard and helping Dad with small tasks eventually grew into a lifelong passion for craftsmanship, construction, and creating beautiful homes.
In the fall of 2000, John began working full-time alongside Darell, learning firsthand the skills, dedication, and attention to detail that would become the foundation of his own career. Together, they expanded Darell’s company, Johnson Finish Carpentry, into a 20-person crew, working on new construction homes throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin.
In 2009, Darell officially retired, leaving behind far more than a successful business. He left a legacy of craftsmanship, hard work, and knowledge that he generously shared with countless tradesmen throughout his career. Many of those individuals went on to build their own careers, businesses, and lives around the skills and lessons Darell had taught them.
In 2011, John founded Revival Interiors, carrying forward the values his father had instilled in him and building upon the foundation they had created together.
Darell was more than a master carpenter. He was the kind of man who could build just about anything.
I remember one day on the jobsite when I forgot to bring him a fork for his lunch. Rather than complain or go without, Dad simply grabbed a piece of wood and made himself one. That was Darell. There was never a problem he couldn't find a way to solve, and there was seemingly nothing he couldn't build with his own two hands.
But his greatest accomplishments weren't built with a hammer and nails.
He was an incredible father who raised five children on his own, a patient teacher who shared his knowledge with anyone willing to learn, and the inspiration behind everything Revival Interiors has become today.
His influence and integrity can be seen in every project we complete, every detail we carefully craft, and every home we have the privilege of transforming.
The lessons Dad taught went far beyond working with wood or building homes. He taught us to take pride in our work, to do things the right way, and, most importantly, to treat people fairly and honestly.
I remember getting frustrated with him because he would often do work for clients without charging them. As a young man trying to grow a business, I couldn't always understand why he would give away his time and talents so freely.
But Dad saw things differently.
He was never interested in making as much money as he could. He was more interested in making as many friends as he could.
Looking back, I realize that was one of the greatest lessons he ever taught me. A person's true success isn't measured by how much money they make, but by the relationships they build, the people they help, and the lives they touch along the way.
While we mourn his passing, we are incredibly grateful for the years spent learning from him, working alongside him, and sharing countless memories on jobsites throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin.
His tools may be set down, but his work is far from forgotten. His craftsmanship lives on in the homes he helped build, his knowledge lives on in the tradesmen he mentored, and his values live on in the family he raised.
Dad, thank you for teaching me the trade, believing in me, and giving me the foundation to build something of my own. Thank you for showing me that being a great carpenter is about more than knowing how to build something. It's about having the integrity to stand behind your work and the heart to help others along the way.
I am proud to be your son, and I will spend the rest of my life honoring the legacy you left behind.
Godspeed, Darell Johnson.
Your work here is done, Dad, but what you built will live on forever.
With love and gratitude,
John Johnson & the Revival Interiors Family
