William “Bill” Post, a Michigan native and a pivotal figure in the creation of Pop-Tarts, passed away at the age of 96.
Post, who passed away on February 10th, was raised in Grand Rapids and was one of seven children of Dutch immigrants, as mentioned in his obituary.
During his time as a student at Grand Rapids Christian High School, he also worked part-time as a truck washer at Hekman Biscuit Company, later known as Keebler Company.
Post was a proud member of the Army Air Corps, where he valiantly served his country during the occupation of Japan. During this time, he also found love and married his high school sweetheart, Florence Schut. Their love story is one that stands the test of time and serves as a testament to the strength of their bond.
Upon his return home, he resumed his part-time employment at Hekman while simultaneously attending Calvin College for a period of two years.
At the young age of 21, Post took on the role of the company’s full-time personnel manager and was also involved in sales, production, and various other responsibilities.
Post, who had risen to the position of plant manager at Hekman (Keebler) after twenty years, greeted the Kellogg’s executives who presented an innovative product concept for Keebler to produce.
The concept gave birth to the Pop-Tart.
According to his obituary, Bill was proud to say that he had assembled an incredible team that transformed Kellogg’s idea of a shelf-stable toaster pastry into a high-quality product, which they were able to bring to market in just four months. The collaboration and partnership between Kellogg’s and Keebler flourished until Kellogg’s eventually acquired the Keebler company.
In 1967, Post relocated to Elmhurst, Illinois with his family to assume the role of senior vice president at the Keebler offices.
According to his obituary, he frequently spoke to students about the creation of the Pop-Tart.
According to the obituary, Bill has given interviews to newspaper reporters, TV reporters, and radio hosts both in the United States and abroad. He has had the opportunity to share the Pop Tart story with young people in numerous classrooms, always willing to accommodate these requests. Bill takes pride in sharing his testimony of God’s goodness as the son of an immigrant and often brings along his never-ending supply of Pop Tarts.
After reaching the age of 56, Post decided to retire and settle down in Glen Arbor, Michigan. However, he continued to contribute his expertise by working as a consultant at Kellogg’s for the next two decades.
According to his obituary, he was an individual who had a deep passion for serving the community.
The obituary described Bill as a remarkably humble man of God, whose servant’s heart overflowed with generosity, despite his extraordinary life and legendary achievements. Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to serving the communities he lived in, serving as a board member for schools, churches, the YMCA, and being a devoted member of Gideons International for an impressive 60 years.
John’s wife, Florence, passed away in 2020. He is now survived by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
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