OWATONNA-Harvey Wheldon West, Jr., age 72, died at home on February 26, 2008 following a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born in St. Paul, MN on March 27, 1935, the son of the late Harvey and Vera (Madsen) West. He married Sharon Dee Pfeil of Owatonna on September 6, 1959. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Terry (and Gayle) Pfeil of Chandler, AZ., two nieces, and cousins. Raised in St. Paul, and graduating from Murray High School in 1953, he earned a B.A. degree from the University of Minnesota School of Journalism in 1958. The couple moved to Owatonna in 1961 when he accepted a job with the Owatonna Tool Company. Harvey retired as OTC''s marketing communications manager after a 36-year career. He was a past president, board member, publicity chairman, historian and honorary lifetime member of the Automotive Advertisers Council, one of the oldest trade associations in the automotive aftermarket. He served in the U.S. Army and in the Minnesota Army National Guard as a staff sergeant. Harvey''s lifelong passion was auto racing. A 46-year member of the Land O Lakes Region of the Sports Car Club of America, he competed in sports car racing throughout the country for 30 consecutive years, winning several regional championships. He served on the LOL board of directors, and as a race driving instructor. Harvey received the Region''s 'Race Driver of the Year Award' in 1985 and 2007. He qualified to compete at the SCCA National Championship Runoffs, considered the 'Olympics of Amateur Sports Car Racing,' 17 times. Harvey also competed in the professional Firestone Firehawk endurance series, and in auto ice racing. He was a past president of the International Ice Racing Association, and a published racing historian. Harvey and Sharon were avid travelers, visiting many states and a number of foreign countries, and took several cruises. Harvey was a member of the Owatonna R/C Modelers, Car Nuts Auto Club, Night Owls Car Club, and a life member of Owatonna Elks Lodge #1395. He was also a member of the Steele Country Historical Society, Owatonna Arts Center and Steele County Humane Society. He was a past president of the Tonna Bowmen Archery Club and past member of Toastmasters. Harvey once served as local publicity chairman of United Way, and worked on the Owatonna Sesquicentennial project. He also served on several local political campaign committees. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 29 from 4 7 pm at Michaelson Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday March 1 at 10:30am at Michaelson Funeral Home. Interment will be in the West family plot at Acacia Park Cemetery in Mendota. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Owatonna Hospice, Dam Preservation Corporation, Steele County Humane Society or donor''s choice are preferred. Visitation: 02/29/2008 16:00 02/29/2008 19:00 Service: and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. 03/01/2008 10:30