William Post, father of the Pop-Tart, passes at 96
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — William Post, Grand Rapids native and developer of the Pop-Tart, has passed away.
One of seven children to Dutch immigrants, Postgraduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School and Calvin College, now Calvin University.
Post worked at the Hekman Biscuit Company (later known as the Keebler Company), where as a plant manager he was asked by executives from Kellogg's to create a new product.
It was then Post assembled a team and developed the Pop-Tart, a process that took several months.
After bringing the product home to his children, who loved the new treats, he knew he had a hit.
Post said in our 2021 interview that they began testing the Pop-Tart by selling it at shopping malls, but they soon realized the product was a better fit for a kids market.
Post moved back to Grand Rapids in 2003, where he lived until his death.
He is survived by his childrenDan and Jackie Post and Rachel and John DeYoung, and many more grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, his family is asking for donations to be made to Gideons International.