Pat Matzen, retired correctional administrator

Pat Matzen, a retired correctional administrator, passed away July 23, 2025. He retired from California Correctional Institution (CCI) at Tehachapi in 2017. Services will be held Aug. 7.

Matzen started his career with the department as a correctional officer at Correctional Training Facility at Soledad in November 1987. He was promoted to sergeant at CCI in November 1998.

He continued promoting through the ranks to lieutenant in March 2004, captain in April 2009, and to Correctional Administrator in November 2015. Matzen then retired from CCI in November 2017.

“CCI extends our very deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to Pat’s family, colleagues, and friends. He will be remembered and missed by many,” according to the institution.

Services will be held Thursday, Aug. 7, at 10 a.m., at Valley Bible Fellowship, 2300 E Brundage Lane, Bakersfield. Burial will follow at Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 E. Mountain Blvd., Arvin. A reception will be held immediately after at Hodels Restaurant, 5917 Knudsen Drive, Bakersfield.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to bring a card with your favorite memory of Pat Matzen to share.

“These memories will be cherished and collected as a lasting tribute to the extraordinary life he lived,” the family said.

Read more tributes to staff and retirees who have passed away.

Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.