Texan Who Pioneered Frozen Mexican Food Dies

SAN ANTONIO (1080 KRLD) - A Texan who helped change what families across the nation eat for dinner has died at the age of 87.

Louis H. Stumberg started Patio Foods, which was the first company to make frozen Mexican dinners. For many families outside of the southwest, it was their first exposure to Mexican food. Today, the Patio brand is owned by ConAgra Foods Inc.

Louis saw how Air Force recruits loved Mexican food when they came to San Antonio. So he became the first to freeze the food and sell it in places where they had never even heard of tacos. Long time friend Harold Reisner recalls Stumberg's love of hunting.

His long-time friend, Art Ricklin, says Stumberg had also served as a chairman for the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and as a member of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission.

Stumberg was also one of the state's largest ranchers and was the long time civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army.