Everyone who had the privilege of knowing Evan Hansen knew what a special person he was, and what a terrific man he grew up to be. His infectious smile and diligent work ethic made him one of our customer’s favorite employees.

We first met Evan when he was in fourth grade,  when we volunteered to help the wrestling team at Our Lady of Mount Carmel/Saint Maria Goretti. Strong and fast, Evan made quick work of his opponents. He gained respect by never boasting and always promptly shaking both his opponents and opposing coaches hands after each match.

Excelling in his high school classes at Guerin Catholic, Evan became a four year starter on the Guerin Football Team.  It was at Guerin that he and our son Max became lifelong  friends.  Evan moved on to Wabash College where he continued his excellent academic record studying Spanish and Biology. He started all four years at linebacker for the Wabash Little Giants, and was named his team’s Captain in 2018.

Fluent in Spanish, and planning a career in nursing, Evan was always available to help others. He spent the summer of 2018 volunteering at Our Lady of Mount Carmel’s Merciful H.E.L.P. Center helping administer the Carmel Summer Free Lunch Program, afterwards traveling to Washington D.C. as a Spanish translator, helping those less fortunate than him.

In September of 2018 Evan unexpectedly took his own life.  His bright light left, leaving us with great memories but more importantly the example he set with how he lived his life.

To honor his memory, his family at Joe’s and the Lazzara family renamed our popular IPA Braised Beef sandwich, and Evan’s favorite, to Evan’s IPA Braised Beef.  We will donate from the sale of each sandwich to a cause that represented Evan as a person, and reflects his giving and selfless nature.

At the request of his family (Mary and Chuck Hansen, and brothers Carl and Jack) $1 from every sale of Evan’s IPA Braised Beef will be donated to the Merciful H.E.L.P. Center to feed and aid those less fortunate right here in Hamilton County.

Evan’s parents have set up a tribute page for Evan which we encourage you to like and follow.
If you’d like to read more about our dear friend Evan and his legacy, you can do so at these articles:

Evan Hansen Obituary

Carmel parents on a mission to raise awareness after son’s sudden suicide shocks community

The suicides of two Wabash football players, exact same day, two years apart

Wabash Mourns Passing Of Evan Hansen

The employees at Joe’s and the Lazzara family thank you for helping us honor how Evan lived by helping others.   We sincerely appreciate your business and support on this very local cause.
—Kathy and Joe Lazzara, Max, JT, Hank and entire Joe’s Butcher Shop family