EXHIBIT 23.1 ------------ CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS The Board of Directors Midwest Federal Financial Corp. We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement on Form S-8 pertaining to the 1997 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan of Midwest Federal Financial Corp., of our report dated January 24, 1997, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Midwest Federal Financial Corp., appearing in the annual report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 1996. /s/ McGladrey & Pullen, LLP McGladrey & Pullen, LLP June 18, 1997 Madison, Wisconsin -7-