William ‘Bill’ Post, the Inventor Behind Pop-Tarts, Passes Away at the Age of 96

William “Bill” Post, the man behind the invention of Pop-Tarts, has passed away at the age of 96. Post, a Michigan native and son of immigrants, started his career as a truck washer and worked his way up to become a senior vice president. In 1964, he introduced the iconic toaster treat that brightened the mornings of millions of Americans.

Although Post is often credited with inventing Pop-Tarts, he always emphasized that it was a team effort. He grew up in Grand Rapids, the son of Dutch immigrants, and served in the Army Air Corps in occupied Japan after marrying his high school sweetheart, Florence Schut.

Post’s journey to creating Pop-Tarts began when he got a part-time job washing trucks at Hekman Biscuit Company, which later became Keebler Company. Within five years, he rose to the position of personnel manager but also assisted with sales, production, and other aspects of the business.

Twenty years later, as the plant manager of Hekman, Post welcomed executives from Kellogg’s who approached Hekman/Keebler to develop a new product. This product would eventually become the beloved Pop-Tart that is now available in almost every grocery store and supermarket across the US.

Throughout his life, Post shared credit for his invention and always acknowledged the team that helped bring Kellogg’s concept of a shelf-stable toaster pastry to market in just four months. He enjoyed giving interviews and speaking to younger generations about his invention, often sharing samples of Pop-Tarts as well.

Post’s career continued to flourish, and he was eventually promoted to senior vice president after moving to Elmhurst, Illinois to work at Keebler Company’s corporate offices. He retired at the age of 56 but remained a consultant for the company for another 20 years.

Aside from his professional achievements, Post was known for being a religious man who credited God for his success. He served his local community on school boards and was a 60-year member of Gideons International. Post’s loved ones described him as a humble man with a servant’s heart, always offering comfort, reading scripture, and praying for friends and family in need.

Post’s wife, Florence, whom he described as his best friend, passed away in 2020. However, he leaves behind two children, their spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who were the lights of his life.

Post’s positive energy and infectious smile left a lasting impact on those who knew him. His story of inventing the Pop-Tart has even inspired a Netflix film called “Unfrosted: The Pop-Tart Story,” scheduled for release in May. The movie is written and directed by Jerry Seinfeld and features a cast of prominent comedians.

With the passing of William “Bill” Post, the world mourns the loss of the man who brought joy to breakfast tables across America with his invention of Pop-Tarts. His legacy as a visionary and his humble nature will continue to inspire generations to come.