1. Grand Rapids man inventing Pop-Tarts for Kellogg’s
2. Inventor of Pop-Tarts for Kellogg’s from Grand Rapids.
William “Bill” Post, Inventor of Pop-Tarts, Passes Away at 96
A Grand Rapids man, William “Bill” Post, who is credited with inventing the iconic breakfast pastry Pop-Tarts for the Michigan-based Kellogg’s company, has sadly passed away at the age of 96, according to his obituary.
William Post leaves behind a legacy that includes two children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Born and raised in Grand Rapids’ south side to Dutch Immigrant parents, he was one of seven children in his family.
At the age of 16, Post began his career washing trucks at the Hekman Biscuit Company, which eventually became Keebler. After serving in the Army Air Corps in occupied Japan, he returned to Michigan and continued working at Hekman while attending Calvin College.
Post’s journey took a significant turn when, at the age of 42, he met with executives from Kellogg’s. They asked him if Keebler could create a new product they had in mind. Post assembled an exceptional team that developed Kellogg’s concept of a shelf-stable toaster pastry into what would become the beloved Pop-Tart.
The original name for Pop-Tarts was Fruit Scones, but it was changed to Pop-Tarts to align with the Pop Art trend of the time. The product was introduced in 1964, and the first shipments, initially unfrosted, sold out within two weeks, marking the beginning of Kellogg’s successful journey with Pop-Tarts.
Post’s collaboration with Kellogg’s continued until the company eventually purchased Keebler. In 1967, he moved his family to Elmhurst, Illinois, to work at the corporate offices of the Keebler Company. After serving as a senior vice president, Post retired to Glen Arbor, Michigan, at the age of 56.
However, Post was coaxed out of retirement by Kellogg’s request to be a consultant, a role he fulfilled for the next 20 years. Throughout his life, he shared the story of Pop-Tarts with numerous media outlets and even visited classrooms to inspire young people with his journey from being the son of an immigrant to inventing a household name.
Post’s wife, Florence, whom he was married to for 72 years, passed away in 2020. Their enduring love and partnership were a testament to their commitment to each other.
In exciting news for Pop-Tart enthusiasts, a Netflix movie titled “Unfrosted: The Pop-Tart Story” featuring Jerry Seinfeld is set to be released on May 3. The film will delve into the history and impact of the iconic breakfast treat.
William “Bill” Post’s contributions to the world of breakfast foods will always be remembered, and his invention of Pop-Tarts will continue to bring joy to countless households around the globe.
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– “Grand Rapids man credited with inventing Pop-Tarts for Kellogg’s”
– “Grand Rapids man credited with inventing Pop-Tarts for Kellogg’s dies at 96”.
