William “Bill” Post, a key figure in the invention of the beloved breakfast treat, the Pop-Tart, passed away at the age of 96. Post, who grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan as one of seven children in a Dutch immigrant family, led an extraordinary life filled with legendary accomplishments. Despite being credited with inventing the Pop-Tart, Post always emphasized that it was a team effort, stating, “I assembled an amazing team that developed Kellogg’s concept of a shelf-stable toaster pastry into a fine product that we could bring to market in the span of just four months.”
The iconic Pop-Tarts made their debut on store shelves in 1964 and quickly became synonymous with breakfast and snack time. However, Post’s journey to creating this beloved treat began long before that. During his high school years, he worked part-time washing trucks at the Hekman Biscuit Company, which later became The Keebler Company. After serving in the Army Air Corps in occupied Japan, he returned to his part-time job while attending Calvin College. It was during this time that he married his high school sweetheart, Florence, who sadly passed away in 2020.
At the age of 21, Post started his career at Hekman as a full-time personnel manager. Over the years, he climbed the ranks and eventually became the plant manager. It was during this time that he caught the attention of executives from Kellogg’s who were seeking assistance in creating a new product. William LaMothe, the Chairman of Kellogg’s and a future friend of Post’s, envisioned transforming breakfast into a toaster-ready rectangle that could be enjoyed anywhere. With the help of a kitchen crew, Post played a crucial role in bringing this vision to life.
In 1967, Post relocated to Elmhurst, Illinois to work at Keebler’s corporate offices as a senior vice president. He continued to make significant contributions to the company until his retirement at the age of 56. Following his retirement, Post and his wife moved to Glen Arbor, Michigan, before eventually settling in Grand Rapids to be closer to their family.
Even after retiring, Post remained connected to his passion for Pop-Tarts. He worked as a consultant for Kellogg’s for approximately 20 years and often shared his Pop-Tart story with students. He even brought along an “unending supply” of Pop-Tarts to accompany his storytelling sessions.
Post’s legacy extends beyond his contributions to the world of breakfast pastries. He was a loving father to his children, Dan and Jackie Post, and Rachel and John DeYoung. He also leaves behind several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The passing of William “Bill” Post marks the end of an era for Pop-Tart enthusiasts worldwide. His dedication, innovation, and humble nature have forever shaped the breakfast industry. As we enjoy our next Pop-Tart, let us remember the man behind the toaster-ready rectangle and the team that made it all possible.