1. Grand Rapids man, inventor of Pop-Tarts, passes away at 96
2. Renowned Pop-Tarts creator from Grand Rapids dies at age 96.
Grand Rapids Man and Pop-Tarts Inventor Passes Away
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — William “Bill” Post, the man credited with inventing the beloved breakfast staple, Pop-Tarts, has passed away at the age of 96.
Post, a Grand Rapids native, died on February 10, as confirmed by his obituary. His contribution to the culinary world was a result of his tenure as a Keebler plant manager in the early 1960s, when he was approached by executives at cereal giant Kellogg’s to create a breakfast food for toasters.
Together with his team of co-workers, Post developed the early versions of what he initially called fruit scones. However, these tasty treats would soon become known as Pop-Tarts. Their popularity skyrocketed when they were test marketed in Cleveland in late 1963, quickly becoming a household favorite.
Post, who grew up in Southwest Grand Rapids, was one of seven children born to Dutch immigrants. He began working part-time washing trucks at Hekman Biscuit Company when he was just 16 years old. After serving in occupied Japan with the Army Air Corps, he joined Hekman full-time and eventually became the plant manager at what would later become a Keebler operation.
Post always attributed the invention of Pop-Tarts to a team effort, emphasizing that it took just four months to bring the idea to life. His dedication and hard work propelled him further within the company, and in 1967, he relocated to Elmhurst, Illinois to work in Keebler’s corporate offices. He retired at the age of 56 as a senior vice president but continued to serve as a company consultant.
After retirement, Post moved to Glen Arbor but returned to Grand Rapids in 2003 to be closer to his family. Over the years, his role as the creator of Pop-Tarts led to numerous interviews with local and national media outlets, who were eager to hear the story behind this iconic breakfast food.
According to his obituary, Post was often asked to share the Pop-Tart story with young people in classrooms. He happily obliged, using these opportunities to testify to God’s goodness as the son of an immigrant. He would often bring along a generous supply of Pop-Tarts to share with the students.
Post’s family described him as a humble man with a servant’s heart, known for his overflowing generosity. Throughout his life, he served on various boards for schools, churches, and the YMCA. Additionally, he was a dedicated member of Gideons International for an impressive 60 years.
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The world has lost an extraordinary individual with the passing of Bill Post. His invention of Pop-Tarts has brought joy to countless breakfast tables around the globe. As we mourn his loss, we celebrate the legacy he leaves behind and the delicious treats that will forever bear his mark.
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– Grand Rapids man inventor of Pop-Tarts dies at 96
– Inventor of Pop-Tarts from Grand Rapids passes away at 96.
