William Bill Post, the inventor of the pop-tart has died, he was 96 years old and died a global legend.
Post passed away on February 10th 2024.
In this article, we learn about William Bill Post life, career, family, net worth, pop tarts, obituary etc.
Who was William Bill Post?
William Bill Post, who passed away on February 10th, 2024, at the age of 96, was the inventor of one of the most popular and iconic breakfast treats in the world: the Pop-Tart.
He was also a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who enjoyed golfing, fishing, and traveling.
William Bill Post was born on July 4, 1927, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to John and Anna Post, who were immigrants from the Netherlands.
He grew up during the Great Depression and learned the value of hard work and perseverance.
Post graduated from Union High School in 1945 and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He then attended Michigan State University, where he earned a degree in food technology in 1950.
William Bill Post married his wife, his high school sweetheart, Dorothy “Dottie” Post, in 1948.
They were married for 75 years, until her death in 2023.
They had four children: William Jr., Robert, Susan, and David. They also had 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Post was a loving and supportive husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who cherished his family and spent quality time with them.
He also had many friends and was active in his community. He was a member of the Cascade Hills Country Club, the Grand Rapids Rotary Club, and the First United Methodist Church.
William Bill Post pop-tarts
William Bill Post began his career as a plant manager at Hekman Biscuit Company, a regional baker that was part of the company that would become Keebler.
In 1964, he was approached by Kellogg’s, the cereal giant, to help create a new product: a toaster pastry with fruit filling. The idea was inspired by a British snack called Toastettes, but Post had to overcome many challenges to make it work.
He had to figure out how to add a second layer of dough, how to seal the edges, how to prevent the filling from leaking, and how to add frosting that would not melt in the toaster. He also had to deal with skepticism from his colleagues and friends, who doubted the appeal of the product.
Post succeeded in creating the prototype of the Pop-Tart in just four months, with the help of his team and his family, who served as taste testers.
He called the product “fruit scones” at first, but later changed the name to Pop-Tarts, after the Pop Art movement. The original flavors were strawberry, blueberry, apple currant, and brown sugar cinnamon.
The product was tested in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1964, and sold out quickly. It was then launched nationwide in 1965, and became an instant hit.
Pop-Tarts soon became one of the best-selling products of Kellogg’s, with annual sales of about $1 billion in the U.S. alone. Today, there are more than 30 flavors of Pop-Tarts, and they are enjoyed by millions of people around the world.
Post continued to work for Kellogg’s until his retirement in 1992.
He was involved in the development of many other snacks, such as Nutri-Grain bars, Rice Krispies Treats, and Eggo waffles.
He was also a mentor and a leader, who inspired many people with his creativity and passion. He received several awards and recognitions for his contributions to the food industry, such as the Kellogg’s President’s Award, the Michigan State University Distinguished Alumni Award, and the induction into the Grand Rapids Business Hall of Fame.
Net worth
William Post’s net worth is not publicly known, but it is estimated that he earned a substantial amount of money from his career at Kellogg’s and his royalties from the Pop-Tart.
He also invested in real estate and other businesses.
He was generous with his wealth and donated to many causes, such as education, health, and arts. He also established the William and Dorothy Post Endowed Scholarship at Michigan State University, which supports students pursuing degrees in food science and human nutrition.
William Post was a remarkable man who left a lasting legacy in the world of food and beyond.
He was the inventor of the Pop-Tart, a beloved snack that has brought joy and convenience to millions of people for over 60 years. He was also a devoted family man, a respected leader, a generous philanthropist, and a positive force.
He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and fans. He is survived by his four children, 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends.
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