Anselmo Rayas

“El Moreno”

Hammond

March 12, 1976 – September 18, 2026

Anselmo Rayas, age 50, of Hammond, passed away suddenly on Friday, September 18, 2026. He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Rosie Diaz Rayas; cherished daughter, Angeles Rayas; his mother, Maria de la Torre; siblings, Amanda, Martha, Jose Luis Jr., and Jose R. Rayas; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Jose Luis Rayas.

Friends are invited to meet with the family for visitation to celebrate El Moreno’s life on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. at Bocken Funeral Home, 7042 Kennedy Avenue, Hammond (Hessville). A prayer service will take place at 4:30 p.m. Private cremation will follow.

Anselmo “El Moreno” was born in King City, California, and was a longtime resident of the region. He was funny, warm, loving, and full of life. He had a way of changing the energy in a room and making people laugh even when they did not feel like smiling. His presence brought comfort, joy, and light to the people around him. He truly was the sunshine in every room he walked into.

Above all, Anselmo loved his family. He was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He shared 27 years of marriage with his wife, Rosie, and together they built a life, a home, and countless memories. He loved her deeply, and their marriage, companionship, and the family they created together were at the heart of his life.

Being a father was one of Anselmo’s greatest joys. He shared an incredibly special bond with his daughter, Angeles, who was always his little girl. He made sure she knew how deeply she was loved, protected, supported, and how proud he was of her. His wife and daughter meant the world to him, and he spoke about his family with tremendous love and pride.

Anselmo had a special gift for making people feel like they belonged. He made everyone feel included, accepted, loved, and welcome. He was incredibly generous and was truly the kind of man who would give the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it. Whether someone needed help, a meal, a ride, advice, a laugh, or simply someone to be there, Anselmo gave freely and without hesitation.

He took great pride in his work as a professional semi-truck driver, but outside of work, he knew how to enjoy life. He loved watching soccer and cheering for Chivas, camping with family and friends, grilling, riding his Harley, and simply being surrounded by the people he loved.

Anyone who knew Anselmo knew about his tacos. Grilling was one of his favorite things to do, and his tacos became something family and friends looked forward to and always remembered. Cooking was another way he brought people together, showed his love, and made sure everyone was taken care of.

Anselmo was also a passionate and knowledgeable collector. He loved collecting tequila and firearms and built collections over the years that he took great pride in. At family parties and gatherings, he would often take guests on tours of his collections, excitedly showing different pieces, explaining the details, and sharing the stories behind them. He loved learning about the things he collected and loved even more being able to share that knowledge and excitement with others. Going to the gun range was also one of his favorite hobbies and brought him genuine joy.

Riding his Harley was more than a hobby to Anselmo. Through L.A.M.A Northwest, he found a true brotherhood and a second family. The friendships he built there meant so much to him. These were people he rode with, laughed with, celebrated with, and shared life with. They were more than friends; they were his brothers. The love they had for Anselmo has been especially clear in the way they have surrounded and supported his family, and that support is a reflection of just how deeply he was loved and how much those relationships meant to him.

More than anything, Anselmo will be remembered for the way he made people feel. He made people feel seen, included, accepted, cared for, and important. He brought laughter, warmth, generosity, and love wherever he went.

His absence leaves a space that can never truly be filled, but the love he gave, the memories he created, the people he brought together, and the joy he brought into so many lives will remain forever. To know Anselmo was to know warmth, humor, generosity, passion, and love, and that is how El Moreno will always be remembered. ❤️ For additional information regarding his services friends may contact Bocken Funeral Home (219)844-1600 or visit www.bockenfunerals.com.