– Pop Tarts co-inventor William “Bill” Post death
– Pop Tarts co-inventor Bill Post dies at 96.
William “Bill” Post, Inventor of Pop-Tarts, Passes Away at 96
Grand Rapids, Michigan – William “Bill” Post, the mastermind behind the invention of the beloved breakfast pastry known as Pop-Tarts, has sadly passed away at the age of 96. The news of his death was confirmed by Michigan-based MKD Funeral Homes.
A Trailblazer in the Breakfast Industry
Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Post kickstarted his career at Hekman Biscuit Company, where he started out with a humble role of managing 16 wash trucks. After serving in the Army Air Corps, he returned to Hekman and quickly climbed the ranks, becoming the personnel manager at the young age of 21.
It was during his time as a plant manager at Hekman, later renamed the Keebler Company, that executives from Kellogg’s approached him with an exciting proposition. They wanted to develop a groundbreaking new product, and they believed Keebler had the expertise to bring it to life.
“Bill is often credited with ‘inventing’ the Pop-Tart,” states his obituary. “However, he would humbly say, ‘I assembled a great team that developed the Kellogg’s concept of a shelf-stable toaster pastry into a fine product that we were able to bring to market in just four months.’ The collaboration between Kellogg’s and Keebler continued until Kellogg’s eventually acquired the Keebler company.”
A Toasted Delight in Every Flavor
Pop-Tarts, now owned by Kellanova, has become an iconic brand with a wide variety of flavors. The company proudly boasts on its website that they offer “nearly 100 unexpected flavors beneath our flaky crust.” Whether enjoyed in the morning, as a snack, or any time of the day, Pop-Tarts have become a staple in households around the world.
A Lasting Legacy
The news of Post’s passing was met with deep sadness from Kellanova, the current owner of Pop-Tarts. In a statement, they expressed their gratitude for his invaluable contribution to the brand and acknowledged the pivotal role he played in its creation.
After retiring from Keebler at the age of 56, Post continued to serve as a consultant for the company for two more decades. His expertise and dedication left a lasting impact on the industry.
A Cultural Phenomenon
Pop-Tarts have not only become a breakfast favorite but have also made a significant impact on popular culture. In 2021, a viral moment captured players from the Kansas State University football team devouring a costumed Pop-Tarts mascot after their victory in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando, Florida.
Comedian Paula Poundstone and cereal enthusiast Jerry Seinfeld have both expressed their love for Pop-Tarts. Seinfeld even joked about making a movie centered around the beloved toaster pastries in his stand-up routine. In a recent interview, he confirmed that the movie has been made and will be available on Netflix on May 3.
A Life Well-Lived
Post, who lost his wife in 2020 after 72 years of marriage, is survived by his two children, their spouses, seven grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. His legacy as the creator of Pop-Tarts will continue to bring joy to countless breakfast tables for generations to come.
Source: Today.com
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– Pop Tarts co-inventor William “Bill” Post dies at age 96
– Pop Tarts co-inventor Bill Post passes away at 96.
