DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP 1000 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles, California 90017-2472 December 23, 1997 Securities and Exchange Commission Mail Stop 9-5 450 5th Street, NW Washington, DC 20549 Dear Sires/Madams: We have read the comments in Item 4 of Form 8-K of Marathon Bancorp (the "Company") dated December 23, 1997 and have the following comments: - - We have no basis to agree or disagree with the statements made in the first paragraph. - - We agree with the statements made in the second and third paragraphs. Your truly, Deloitte & Touche LLP cc: Mr. Craig D. Collette President and Chief Executive Officer Marathon Bancorp