Lana S. Stein

Noted academic and St. Louis political expert Lana S. Stein, 79, died peacefully on January 30, 2026. She is survived by her dear cousins Martha Warren (Peter Clark, and sons David and Michael) of Boston, Mass., and Laura Ziff. She was also loved and admired by countless friends.

Born in Detroit to Louisa and Irving Stein, Lana earned her doctorate in political science from Michigan State University. She first taught political science at the University of Georgia in Athens. In 1987, she moved to the University of Missouri — St. Louis, where she taught political science with an emphasis in public policy and urban politics. Later, she was named chair of the university’s Political Science Department.

During her tenure at UM-St. Louis, Lana published two books that explored the vibrant political history of her adopted home, and was a frequently sought-after and quoted expert on St. Louis politics.

She proudly resided in the Skinker-DeBaliviere neighborhood where she served several terms on the neighborhood’s Community Council and as co-editor of the The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere.

A life-long Democrat who proudly attended Martin Luther King’s March on Washington in 1963, Lana loved music, especially songs of protest by Pete Seeger. She also enjoyed opera — particularly “La Boheme” — and was a devoted Cardinals fan, unless they were playing the Detroit Tigers. A food and chocolate lover, her cheesecake was a fixture at countless neighborhood parties, as was her trademark wit, which was a welcome addition to any occasion.

Lana loved St. Louis and animals. Gifts in her memory may be made to Operation Brightside or the Humane Society of Missouri.

Visitation on February 8, 2026 at 12:30 pm with service to follow at 1pm in Berger Memorial Chapel, 9430 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132. Interment following service at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, located at 7570 Olive Blvd, University City, MO 63130.