Guam - University of Guam retired professor of history and Micronesian studies Dr. Dirk Ballendorf has died at the age of 73. His daughter Heidi confirms Dr. Ballendorf's passing, saying he died in his sleep Monday morning. She says her father taught at UOG for 30 years and first came to Guam in 1961.

Guampedia cites Dr. Ballendorf as being an internationally recognized scholar and a specialist on Micronesian history, politics, education and contemporary affairs. In 1979, he joined the faculty at UOG's Micronesian Area Research Center where he served as director for five years from 1979 to 1984 and again from 2004 to 2007. He is the author of eleven books, and over 200 articles and reviews on Micronesian history and culture.

Heidi Ballendorf says details for services will soon be released.