Dan Wheldon’s Remembered by Community

Dan Wheldon’s family has announced the racing star’s funeral arrangements.

Funeral services for the two-timeIndianapolis500 winner will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at First Presbyterian Church of St. Petersburg. It’s located at701 Beach Drive N.E.inSt. Petersburg,Fla.

InIndianapolis, INDYCAR will hold a public memorial service to celebrate the life of Wheldon at 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23, at Conseco Fieldhouse. Doors open to the public at 2:30 p.m. TheVirginia Streetparking garage will be open free of charge to augment on-street parking.

Wheldon, 33, was killed Sunday after a 15-car collision at the Las Vegas Indy 300 race. Originally fromGreat Britain, Wheldon lived with his family inSt. Petersburg.

Wheldon’s wife, Susie, released the following statement on behalf of the family, inviting members of community to attend Saturday’s service:

“Although the last few days have been unbearable for our family, the overwhelming love and support we have received are rays of sunshine during these dark days. The outpouring of sympathy and condolences has been so comforting, and I want to thank everyone for their kind notes, letters, gifts and flowers. 

“Dan touched the lives of many people, and I would like to invite those citizens in our community who knew and loved my husband to attend his funeral service at the First Presbyterian Church of St. Petersburg on Saturday, October 22, at 10 a.m. 

“Though we won’t be able to fit everyone inside, I know that Dan would have wanted the community to share in the celebration of his life and to grieve his passing. Thank you again. I am forever grateful for your kindness.”

In lieu of flowers, friends and fans also can choose to make a donation to the Dan Wheldon Family Trust Fund or the Alzheimer’s Association, a cause close to his heart. 

For more details, visit http://www.alz.org and http://www.danwheldonmemorial.com memorial site, which includes a Facebook link to leave condolences and remembrances and a career photo retrospective.

Those wishing to send their sympathy and condolences to the Wheldon family, can address letters to:

The Wheldons
9600 Koger Blvd N, Ste. 105
St Petersburg,FL33702

The Dan Wheldon Family Trust Fund has been established for the financial security of Wheldon’s family. The public can make contributions to the Dan Wheldon Family Trust Fund at the following address:

Fifth Third Private Bank
Attn: Dan Wheldon Family Trust
251 North Illinois St.
Suite 1000
Indianapolis,IN46204

All of Fifth Third Bank’sIndianapolisbranches also are accepting contributions in person, which will be routed to the account.