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Grand Rapids man behind Pop-Tarts has died at 96

William "Bill" Post graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School, served in the Army Air Corps post-WWII and is credited with helping bring Pop-Tarts to life.
Credit: MKD Funeral Homes

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — William "Bill" Post, who has a long history with the Keebler Company and Kellogg's brand and is often credited as the inventor of Pop-Tarts has died. 

Post was born on the south side of Grand Rapids to Dutch immigrants, and was one of seven children, his obituary reads.

He served in the Army Air Corps in occupied Japan and later returned to marry his high school sweetheart, Florence. 

Working with the Herkman Company, which later became the Keebler Company, Post helped executives from Kellogg's dream up the idea for Pop-Tarts. 

Though he's credited with being the inventor of the toastable breakfast food, he shared the glory with the team around. 

"Bill would say, '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,'" his obituary said. 

Post and Kellogg's executive William LaMothe became close friends, and Post went on to be a consultant for Kellogg's for 20 years. 

His wife Florence Post precedes him in death. 

Funeral arrangements are still being worked out. 

Instead of flowers, the family asks that contributions be sent to Gideons International. 

RELATED: Kellogg's announces names for its new companies

   

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