Karen Marie Fosheim

Dr. Karen Fosheim was called home to be with the Lord on June 16, 2022. A Memorial Service will be held 6:00 p.m. Thursday, September 22, 2022, at Delta State in the Band Hall Music Building 109A Zeigel.  

Karen was born on July 26, 1964, in Webster, South Dakota to Ernest & Eunice Fosheim. She graduated From Webster Public School. She went on to Concordia College and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music.

Growing up in Webster, Karen helped on the family farm and was involved in 4-H activities and projects.  She was also active in many choir and instrumental groups receiving several music and academic honors.

Karen Fosheim was the Chair of the Music Department at Delta State University. She taught Piano, Music Theory courses, Music in American Culture, and is co-director of the Community Drumming Ensemble at Delta State University.  She was an active performer; Dr. Fosheim has appeared as a soloist and collaborative pianist around the U.S. and in Mexico. In the summer of 2001, she was selected as a performer in the Van Cliburn Institute. She holds degrees from The University of Arizona and Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota.

Dr. Fosheim has traveled to Guinea, West Africa on two occasions to study djembe, balafon, and African dance with native master musicians. Dr. Karen studied djembe with master drummers in the US and participated in numerous African ensembles and institutes. Karen was active in several organizations and a past President of the Southern Chapter of the College Music Society. In addition, she has been a presenter and adjudicator for the College Music Society, Mississippi Music Teachers Association, Mississippi Music Educators Association, MENC: National Association for Music Education, and the Pianist Foundation of America.

Karen is preceded in passing by her parents.

Karen is survived by her husband Moussa Camara of New York, siblings, Sharon Fosheim, Leon (Bonnie) Fosheim, Clyde Fosheim, David (Barb) Fosheim, all of Webster, SD, and Sheila (Scott) Mutschelknaus of Olathe, Kansas, and a host of loving nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, gifts and memorials are being directed to support the fine arts programs in Webster, SD, and Delta State University.  Donations in her memory can be sent by mail to:  DSU Foundation, DSU Box 3141, Cleveland MS 38733.  Or they can be made online at https://deltastategiving.org/campaign/karen/ .