Karl Anthony “Bubba” Hufnagel, a lifelong resident of St. Johns, passed away on January 24, 2023, just one day shy of his 53rd birthday, at Hospice House of Mid-Michigan in Lansing, Michigan, after a brief, yet brave, battle with cancer.

Bubba, as he was known to family and friends, and even his teachers since an early age, had a happy-go-lucky personality that helped make him a friend of most everyone he met. Bubba’s smile came easily, as did his wit, ability to gently tease, and an uninhibited goofiness to bring a smile to the faces of the people he was with. He was kind, gentle, generous of his time, enjoyed cooking and being with family.

Bubba was born on January 25, 1970 in Lansing, to Anthony and Lana (Peiffer) Hufnagel. He was eager to join this world so would only wait through two hours of labor. Bubba graduated with the St. Johns High School Class of 1988. He married Kari Leigh Davis in St. Johns on October 3rd, 1998. He was a loving father to their daughter, Karson Hufnagel Kachura and son, Karter Anthony Hufnagel, all of whom survive him. Bubba is also survived by brothers, Kurt Hufnagel (Lynn Cech) and Eric (Monica) Hufnagel, both of St. Johns, sister Jeneen (Dan) Savage of Twin Lake, MI, sisters-in-law, Traci Glanz of St. Johns and Sarah (Jason) Hoggard of Alanson, MI, brother, John Lorio and the entire Lorio/Audia family, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews. Bubba was preceded in death by his infant brother, Brian Hufnagel, and sister-in-law, Jennifer Hufnagel.

Bubba was a man of many gifts: repairing autos, operating heavy machinery, doing carpentry and welding. He had a natural ability for being a “jack of all trades.” Bubba held multiple positions in the automotive repair sector, most recently with Joe’s Body Shop. His coworkers were like family to him. Bubba was award winning in auto body restoration.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns. Fr. Michael Williams will be officiating. An additional gathering will be scheduled at a later date for family and friends to celebrate Bubba’s life.

For further information, phone McGeehan Funeral Home, Keck-Coleman Chapel at 989-224-4422.