Eugene Baumgartner, 58 of Idaho Falls, and formerly of Rexburg, returned to his Heavenly Father, Friday, June 16, 2017 in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Eugene had a special beauty and uniqueness about him. "God doesn't give special kids to special families, he takes ordinary, imperfect people and gifts them with his greatest treasures. And therein, he creates special families." Eugene was one of those greatest treasures.

Eugene was born in Rexburg on April 18, 1959, to Ernest and Heidy Baumgartner. He required assistance with most areas of daily living. He lived at home for several years. Then he went to live at Nampa State School and Hospital. In 1976, he came to live at Yellowstone Care Center, which is now known as Aspire Human Services, where he lived in a group home in Idaho Falls. Eugene quickly became a favorite wherever he lived. You couldn't help but love him. He was loved by all who met him and by those whom took care of him.

Eugene was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He attended special Primary and participated in the special Primary Christmas program. He also participated in Special Olympics. He took part in cross country skiing, shot put, tennis ball throw, and most recently bowling. He was a gold, silver and bronze medalist.

Eugene was very particular about the clothes he wore, or didn't wear. He always had to pick his own clothes. He had a unique way of putting his shoes and socks on. He would put his socks on and stretch the toe part out about 6 inches, fold it over the top of his toes, then put his shoes on, usually on the wrong feet. He liked things to stay the same and didn't like any clutter. He liked things to follow the same routine. He always wanted to have a soda or snack before going to bed.

Eugene loved the outdoors, throwing a ball, swinging on a swing set or just sitting on the grass. He loved animals. Some of his favorite pastimes were going on car rides, rocking in his banana chair, listening to music and dancing. Eugene loved to hold children. He liked tickling and being tickled. Every summer Aspire would hold a family picnic and there was always a lot of good food, fun and entertainment. By far, Eugene's favorite thing was the bounce house. He would stay in there most of the time and only come out to eat, then go right back in. He also loved to play hand and finger games and enjoyed playing with his toy cars.

Eugene was a very fun loving man. His smile was contagious – you couldn't help but smile back at him. Because Eugene was nonverbal, he was limited in telling others of his wants and needs.

Eugene is survived by his sister, Emily (Kerry) Morgan of Rexburg, and his nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister-in-law Ernest and Jacqueline Baumgartner, sister Leah Petitt, and niece Mandy Birch.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 21, at Flamm Funeral Home, 61 North 1st East, in Rexburg, with Bishop Kevin Lee officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 12:00 to 12:45 p.m. at the funeral home prior to services. Interment will be in the Sutton Cemetery.