William Post Obituary – Cause of Death News : “Michigan Man Behind Pop-Tarts Dies at 96”

Michigan Man Who Helped Develop Pop-Tarts Passes Away at 96

February 14, 2024

Jessica Mathews / [email protected]

GLEN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — William Post, a Michigan man who played an essential role in the development of Pop-Tarts, has passed away at the age of 96.

Post, who grew up in Grand Rapids as one of seven children of Dutch immigrants, had a successful career. He retired as a senior vice president at the Keebler Company at the age of 56 and settled in Glen Arbor, Michigan.

Kellanova, formerly known as Kellogg Co., expressed deep sadness over Post’s death in a statement released on Wednesday.

“He played a crucial role in creating the iconic Pop-Tarts brand, and we are grateful to Bill for his legacy and lasting contribution to our company,” said Kellanova, without providing further details.

The beloved toaster pastry made its debut in 1964 in Cleveland, Ohio. Initially, Pop-Tarts were available in four flavors: strawberry, blueberry, brown sugar cinnamon, and apple currant. The following year, they were released nationwide, according to Kellanova’s website.

In his obituary, Post’s family revealed that he was a plant manager at a company that later became known as the Keebler Company. Kellogg executives approached him about developing a new product, and one of those executives, Kellogg Chairman William LaMothe, became a close friend of Post.

“At this point, Bill is often credited with ‘inventing’ the Pop Tart. To be more precise, however, Bill would 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 obituary stated.

Post, whose wife Florence passed away in 2020, is survived by his son, daughter, several grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. According to his obituary on the Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home website, a service for Post will be held on March 7 at the Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids.