ST. PETERSBURG — The family of two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon will hold the British race car driver's funeral on Saturday here in his adopted hometown.

And they're inviting the public to attend.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 701 Beach Drive NE., Wheldon's wife, Susie, announced Thursday. In her statement, she also thanked the public for the outpouring of support since her husband's death on Oct. 16.

"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," she said. "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."

The 33-year-old race car driver and father of two was killed in a 15-car crash at the IndyCar season finale at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Wheldon was born in England but came to live in St. Petersburg with his wife and their sons, 2-year-old Sebastian and 7-month-old Oliver.

Wheldon, who won the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in 2005, was also honored at Thursday's City Council meeting. State Rep. Rick Kriseman, D-St. Petersburg, delivered the invocation.

"We celebrate Dan's life and what he meant to the community and his family," Kriseman said. "May the memories of Dan be joyful."

City Council Chairman Jim Kennedy read a resolution recalling Wheldon's legacy here: "Dan loved this city, and would often say that while he could live anywhere in the world, he chose St. Petersburg to raise his kids."

The family also announced the establishment of the Dan Wheldon Family Trust Fund. Contributions can be sent in care of the trust fun to: Fifth Third Private Bank; 251 North Illinois St., Suite 1000; Indianapolis, IN 46204.

Instead of flowers, the Wheldon family asked that donations be made to the trust fund or to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org).

Those who wish to extend condolences to the family can do so at: The Wheldons; 9600 Koger Blvd. N, Suite 105; St Petersburg, FL 33702.

IndyCar will hold also hold a public memorial service at 4 p.m. Sunday at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.