Founders
“They knew the value of a dollar and used every one wisely.”
Edward and June Kellogg were successful because they always sought out the best for others. They recognized the importance of personal relationships and partnered with friends, civic leaders, and local organizations to help those in need.
Their guiding principles of personal knowledge, education, generosity, leadership, caring, and persistence are the enduring values of the Kellogg Family Foundation.
John Harvey Kellogg
Inventor of Corn Flakes
Four generations
dedicated to health
The Kellogg Family represents four generations dedicated to medicine, dentistry, and health.
John Harvey Kellogg invented the famed breakfast cereal and founded a world-renowned center in Battle Creek that treated thousands of patients from the 1890s through the 1940s. John Harvey developed many theories about how to live a long and healthier life and was considered a pioneer on such subjects as proper diet and exercise. A skilled surgeon, he often donated his surgical skills to indigent patients.
John Harvey Kellogg’s son, Richard (Edward’s father), graduated from the University of Michigan Dental School in 1916 and had a long, successful dental career.
Edward followed in his father’s footsteps. He graduated from the University of Detroit Dental School in 1954 and, soon afterward, married June Ellen and settled in Howell, Michigan.
Generosity is a family tradition
Over the next 50 years, Edward and June worked tirelessly in service to their community, church, and those less fortunate. Edward served on the Howell Public Schools Board of Education for three terms as president, secretary, and board member. June shared her passion for spiritual growth by working on countless church projects. Both Edward and June were active in the Boy and Girl Scouts, High Twelve, Howell Masonic Temple, Shriners, Elks Club, Howell Recreation sports teams, and other worthy causes.
For decades, Edward teamed up with local dentist William Hicks to bring modern dentistry to dis- advantaged communities in Guadalajara, Mérida, and the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico. This was no vacation; they took a bush plane to reach remote areas without roads and were gone for 1–2 months at a time.
When Edward and June died in 2003, it was up to their son Thomas to continue their legacy and values through their charitable foundation. Like them, he focuses on stewardship and gratitude, put- ting time and energy into helping people and growing his community.