Petra Link-Keller

Petra Constance Schneider Link-Keller, 78, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2026, at Good Shepherd Hospice in Auburndale, Florida, surrounded by the love of her family. Her life was a remarkable journey defined by resilience, determination, devotion to family, and a deep appreciation for both her German roots and her American home.

Born in Germany on January 20, 1948, to Josef and Helena Schneider, Petra immigrated to the United States in 1952. At just four years old, she arrived in New York aboard the historic Queen Mary, beginning a new chapter in America. At the age of five, she was adopted by Marion and Charles Kaenzig and was raised in Mays Landing, New Jersey, where she built lifelong friendships and memories.

Petra graduated from Oakcrest High School in 1966 and soon began her first job as a secretary for the Mays Landing Health Department. It was there that her lifelong love of office technology and typewriting began. Petra proudly shared that she could type more than 100 words per minute, a skill that amazed coworkers, friends, and family alike. With her first salary, she purchased a brand-new yellow Camaro, a symbol of her independence and one of her favorite accomplishments from her younger years.

In 1967, Petra met Robert "Bobby" Link, and the two quickly fell in love. They began their life together in a small apartment in Pleasantville, New Jersey. In 1968, they welcomed their first daughter, Kimberly. Petra often spoke with gratitude about the support she received from her beloved mother-in-law, June Link, whose guidance helped her navigate motherhood at the young age of twenty.

When her eldest daughter was one year old, Petra experienced the joy of reconnecting with her biological family, an emotional milestone that brought renewed connections and a deeper understanding of her roots. Her family grew with the birth of her daughter Shelly in March 1971 and her son Shawn in 1972.

Petra and Bobby later purchased a home on Elberon Avenue in Absecon, New Jersey, where they began building a life together and raising their family. After Bobby's passing in 1981, Petra remained in the home, where she continued to raise her children and create countless cherished memories with family and friends over the next three decades.

Throughout her career, Petra earned the respect of coworkers and friends through her professionalism, intelligence, and exceptional work ethic. She worked at Wasleski & Steelman, an architectural firm in Pleasantville, New Jersey, and later served as a secretary at Resorts International Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, where she worked for a fellow German-born employer. Never afraid to try something new, Petra attended bartending school and worked weekends at Polskis Restaurant and Bar. The restaurant became a special place in her life and was where she celebrated her second marriage.

On October 22, 1983, Petra married Edwin Keller. Together they built a loving blended family, and Petra welcomed Edwin's sons, Eddie and Ronnie, into her heart and home.

Beyond her family and career, Petra valued friendship, service, and staying involved in her community. She was an active member of the Absecon Junior Women's Club during her years in New Jersey. In retirement, she fulfilled her dream of moving to Florida, where she purchased a beautiful home in the Four Lakes Golf Club community in Winter Haven. There she enjoyed the retirement she had worked so hard to achieve, formed many lasting friendships, and spent several years running the community movie theater. She took great pride in bringing neighbors together in helping create a welcoming gathering place for residents and friends.

Petra was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert "Bobby" Link; her beloved son, Shawn Paul Link; her brother, Otto Schneider; and her sister, Helen O'Leary.

She is survived by her daughters, Kimberly Zabotka and Shelly Laughlin (Mark); her grandsons, Christian, Tristan, and Dylan; her stepsons, Ronnie Keller (Katie) and Eddie Keller; her step-granddaughters, Hayley and Julie; her sister-in-law, Trudy Schneider; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were touched by her kindness and strength.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Good Shepherd Hospice in Auburndale, Florida, for the exceptional care, comfort, dignity, and kindness they provided to Petra during her final days. Their support brought peace not only to Petra, but also to those who loved her most.

Petra will be remembered for her remarkable life story, her independence, her strong work ethic, her quick wit, and her unwavering devotion to those she loved. Whether she was sharing memories of her journey from Germany to America aboard the Queen Mary, talking about her beloved yellow Camaro, or proudly recalling her lightning-fast typing skills, she left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Above all, Petra was a devoted mother, grandmother, wife, sister, and friend. Her greatest accomplishment and deepest joy was the family she loved so fiercely. Her strength, resilience, and love will live on through those who were blessed to know her.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.