Michigan native William “Bill” Post, inventor of Pop-Tarts, dies at 96:
1. Michigan native William “Bill” Post, inventor of Pop-Tarts, dies at 96
2. Michigan inventor William “Bill” Post, creator of Pop-Tarts, passes away at 96.
Michigan Native and Pop-Tart Creator, William “Bill” Post, Passes Away at 96
(CBS DETROIT) – William “Bill” Post, the Michigan native who played a crucial role in the creation of the beloved breakfast pastry, Pop-Tarts, has sadly passed away at the age of 96.
Post, who passed away on February 10, was born and raised in Grand Rapids as one of seven children to Dutch immigrants. After graduating from Grand Rapids Christian High School, he found employment as a truck washer at Hekman Biscuit Company, which later became known as Keebler Company.
During his time as a student, Post served in the Army Air Corps in occupied Japan and married his high school sweetheart, Florence Schut. Upon returning home, he resumed his part-time job at Hekman and attended Calvin College for two years.
A Pioneer in the Breakfast Industry
By the age of 21, Post had become the full-time personnel manager at Hekman. Over the next two decades, he climbed the ranks and eventually became the plant manager of Hekman (Keebler).
It was during this time that Post welcomed Kellogg’s executives, who approached Keebler with an innovative idea for a new product. This idea would later become the iconic Pop-Tart.
Post was instrumental in bringing Kellogg’s concept of a shelf-stable toaster pastry to life, leading a team that developed the product within an impressive four-month span. The collaboration between Kellogg’s and Keebler continued until Kellogg’s eventually acquired Keebler.
A Legacy of Sharing the Pop-Tart Story
After moving to Elmhurst, Illinois in 1967 to work at the Keebler offices as the senior vice president, Post frequently found himself sharing the story of the invention of the Pop-Tart with students.
Throughout his life, Post was interviewed by various media outlets, including newspapers, TV channels, and radio stations both in the United States and abroad. He always embraced the opportunity to tell the Pop-Tart story to young people, often bringing along a supply of the tasty treat.
Retiring at the age of 56, Post returned to his hometown of Glen Arbor, Michigan. However, he continued to work as a consultant for Kellogg’s for the next 20 years.
A Humble Man of God and Community Servant
In addition to his groundbreaking contributions to the breakfast industry, Post was known for his generosity and dedication to serving his community. He served as a board member for schools, churches, and the YMCA. Additionally, he was a member of Gideons International for an impressive 60 years.
Post’s wife, Florence, passed away in 2020. He is survived by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
William “Bill” Post leaves behind a remarkable legacy as a pioneer in the food industry, a dedicated community servant, and a humble man of God. His impact on the breakfast table will be remembered for generations to come.
About the Author
Sara Powers is a digital producer for CBS Detroit. She covers local news, with a focus on crime, politics, entertainment, and historical events for the popular “This Day in History” series.
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1. Michigan native William “Bill” Post, inventor of Pop-Tarts, dies at 96
2. Inventor of Pop-Tarts, Michigan native William “Bill” Post, passes away at 96.
